Brazil, one of the world's football superpowers, and Japan, the Asian superpower, are going to face each other in a thrilling knockout stage match at the World Cup stage. The Blue Samurai secured the last 32 as runners-up after drawing 1-1 against Sweden in the group stage. Star forward Daizen Maeda scored a record seventh goal for Japan in a World Cup in that match. However, as group runners-up, they will face five-time world champions Brazil, who are in great form, in the crucial last 32 match.
The two teams will fight to reach the quarter-finals in Houston, USA, next Monday.
In an interview after the match after the draw with Sweden, Japan's 28-year-old forward Daizen Maeda admitted that the match against Brazil will be difficult, but he is quite confident about the team's possible victory. He said that the game will be very dynamic. However, if Japan can play their natural game with determination on the field, then it is possible to defeat any opponent.
Their first step is to show 100% of the excellent bond and preparation they have created as a team so far on the field.
Yuto Nagatomo, the experienced defender of the Japanese team, spoke in Maeda's tone. This experienced player from FC Tokyo gave a separate warning about Neymar Jr., one of the best weapons in Brazil's attack. Neymar's record against the Blue Samurai is quite rich, the Brazilian star has scored 9 goals against Japan so far.
Nagatomo said that Neymar is a world-class player and they have special plans for him. He sees this knockout match as a completely new tournament, where they have no choice but to give their all on the field against a team like Brazil.
If you look at the statistics page, you can see that Japan and Brazil have faced each other a total of 14 times in international football so far. The Seleção have won 11 of those matches, with two draws and Japan winning just one. While this statistic is comforting for Carlo Ancelotti's men, the recent past is creating a different atmosphere in the minds of football fans.
The memory of Brazil's defeat to Japan in 2025 is still fresh, which is giving some anxiety to Brazilian fans ahead of Monday's high-voltage match.