“If they lose, I won’t be sad”: Zico on Brazil v Japan at the World Cup | OneFootball

Zico spoke with Coluna do Fla this Saturday (27)

The biggest idol in Flamengo’s history, Zico was present at Cardio Fut this Saturday (27), an event held by Luiz Macedo, the club’s doctor. At the Maracanã, Coluna do Fla’s reporters spoke with the eternal No. 10, who commented on expectations for the match between Brazil and Japan in the second phase of the World Cup.

— It’s Brazil. Can you imagine anything worse than being Japan’s coach against Brazil? I’ve been in that situation twice, so if Brazil win, great, because I’m Brazilian; if they lose, I won’t be sad either, because Japanese football has a little bit of the Coimbra family in it -, Zico began.

— Those guys are flying over there. So the Brazilian National Team has to stay alert; they won’t be facing a team that will panic if they concede a goal. Today, Japan is causing all sorts of problems -, he concluded during the event.

What does Zico expect from Neymar in the Brazilian National Team?

In addition, Zico analyzed Neymar’s debut at the 2026 World Cup. The Flamengo idol said that the Brazilian No. 10’s physical condition is the main factor in determining whether the midfielder will continue on the pitch.

— It depends on how he is physically. Like they said, if he’s physically fit. That’s the big issue. The main question isn’t the uncertainty of whether he’ll be called up or not. When the call-up period ended, he played a few matches, but as soon as he started being pushed more, he felt the injury again –, said Flamengo’s historic idol.

— He has just returned now, and we need to know how he really is. In any case, I believe there couldn’t be a better opportunity to come back than in a game against a team like the one we faced, which proved to be much weaker. He moved well on the pitch, and that can be excellent for him to regain confidence, realize that he is truly recovered, and show that he can be useful further ahead -, Zico concluded.

What is the importance of Cardio Fut?

CardioFut is a multidisciplinary event created by Luiz Macedo, Flamengo’s doctor, bringing together professionals from areas such as cardiology, physiotherapy, nutrition, and technology. Zico highlighted the organization’s importance for Brazilian football.

— I think this is essential. I was already here last year, and it’s great that we can share experiences. Especially me, since I lost a brother because of a heart problem after a football match -, he said, before finishing:

— So whatever can be done to prevent it, to stay alert to the signs, and to guide people who practice sports today is always very good. So I see that the football community has helped a lot, and that has been important for the kind of information that is needed -, he added, speaking to Coluna do Fla journalist Rock Hudson.

When do Brazil and Japan face each other?

With Neymar available, the match between Brazil and Japan takes place this Monday (29) in the World Cup round of 32. Thus, the ball starts rolling at 2 p.m. (Brasília time), at NGR Stadium in Houston.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring all the details of the match between Brazil and Japan through the website, YouTube and on social media. However, Globo (free-to-air TV), SBT (free-to-air TV), SporTV (pay TV channel), and CazéTV (YouTube) will broadcast the clash.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.