Opponent decided! Brazil face Japan in the World Cup second round | OneFootball

Brazil and Japan will meet next Monday (29) in the first knockout round of the World Cup

The path is set! Brazil will face Japan in the second round of the World Cup. This Thursday (25), the Asian team drew 1-1 with Sweden and secured second place in Group F of the competition. The Japanese were unable to overtake the Netherlands in the standings, as the Europeans beat Tunisia 3-1.

HOW DID THE GROUP F STANDINGS OF THE WORLD CUP END UP?

That means the matchup is confirmed! Brazil vs Japan will take place next Monday (29), starting at 2 p.m. (Brasília time), in Houston, Texas, in the United States. The five-time world champions advanced with seven points, finishing top of Group C.

HOW DID THE FINAL ROUND OF GROUP F GO?

The two matches took place at the same time. In Kansas, United States, the Netherlands quickly went 2-0 up, with goals from Skhiri (own goal) and Brian Brobbey, within seven minutes of kickoff. Then Japan and Sweden ‘took their foot off the gas,’ making it seem like both teams were trying to avoid Brazil.

At the start of the second half, a new twist happened. Tunisia pulled one back through Mastouri, and Japan’s fans celebrated. In other words, the Asians needed two goals to avoid Brazil. With that, the Japanese opened the scoring through Daizen Maeda after a beautiful passing move.

However, just when it looked like Japan was on its way to finishing first in the group, two ‘heavy blows’ happened. The Netherlands increased its goal difference against Tunisia by scoring a third through Jan Paul van Hecke and, almost at the same moment, Sweden equalized with a brilliant goal from Anthony Elanga.

Then Sweden took its foot off the gas again. Because if they had come from behind to win, they would have ended up on Brazil’s path. The Europeans were satisfied with the draw, as it sealed qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. Japan, meanwhile, out of steam, accepted the clash with Brazil.

WHAT DOES ZICO THINK ABOUT JAPAN?

A legend of Japanese football and former coach of the national team, Zico was full of praise for the ‘Samurai,’ Brazil’s next opponents. The Rooster from Quintino even faced the five-time world champions as a coach at the 2006 World Cup.

During an appearance on ESPN, the Rooster drew attention to the performances of forward Keito Nakamura, regarded as one of the standout players of the tournament. He also highlighted the maturity the Japanese national team has gained in recent years and recalled that most of the players compete in Europe’s top leagues, a factor that, according to him, contributed to the team’s growth. Zico also praised striker Ayase Ueda, who came through at Kashima Antlers (JPN), a club where the Brazilian once worked.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF BRAZIL VS JAPAN IN WORLD CUPS?

Brazil vs Japan has happened only once in World Cups. In the third round of the 2006 group stage, the team then coached by Zico was thrashed 4-1. Ronaldo (twice), Juninho Pernambucano and Gilberto scored the goals.

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