Can Japan shock Brazil in the last 16? | OneFootball

Japan look capable of knocking out Brazil in Houston on Monday at 19:00, fuelled by a superb collective and a run of statement wins over FIFA’s top 10, including Spain, Germany and England. They already beat Brazil in October. Victory would finally break their World Cup last-16 barrier.

They also drew 1-1 with Sweden overnight from Friday into Saturday. According to L'Équipe, former Japan coach Philippe Troussier says the squad are brimming with belief and unafraid, and that Morocco’s bold 1-1 opener against Brazil offers a guide.

He argues Japan must prise openings against a Brazilian defence that dislikes the chase and can struggle in defensive transitions, and he is convinced Japan will spring the upset.

Hajime Moriyasu is without Wataru Endo, Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma through injury, while Takefusa Kubo and Ko Itakura are short of full fitness. Even so, Zion Suzuki, Hiroki Ito, Ritsu Doan and Ayase Ueda have formed the spine of the group stage.

Above all, Daichi Kamada has lit up the first round. The Crystal Palace midfielder has two goals, fortunate ones at that, and in Moriyasu’s 3-4-2-1 he sets the tempo and links defence to attack, proving vital in transitions.

At home, expectation is qualification. Japan have never won a World Cup knockout tie in four attempts. Beyond would come Côte d'Ivoire versus Norway, a stern test but not an impossibility.

Source: L'Équipe