Japan have expressed confidence in their ability to pull off a major upset when they face five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup on Monday evening.
Brazil’s quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title enters the knockout stage with what is expected to be a stern test against the Asian side.

The Seleção progressed to the knockout rounds as winners of their group, finishing ahead of Morocco, with Vinicius Junior playing a key role after scoring four goals in the group stage.
Although Brazil are favourites to advance, Japan are expected to provide a tough challenge in the encounter, which will be played in Houston.

The last non-European nation to eliminate Brazil from the World Cup was Argentina at Italia ’90, but Japan believe they have what it takes to end the South Americans’ campaign.
“The team is united, and that feeling is getting even stronger now,” Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said after his side finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands.

Brazil are also mindful of the threat posed by the Japanese, having suffered a 3-2 defeat to them in an international friendly last October.

“I think that really was a learning experience for us,” Brazil captain Marquinhos said ahead of the clash.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti urged his players to remain focused as they prepare for the knockout encounter.

“We need to play with our heads and our hearts and be clear about what we want to do,” Ancelotti said during his pre-match press conference.

“We need to be ready for everything that can happen in a knockout tie,” he added, stressing that his players were confident but prepared for the possibility of extra time and penalties.

The winners of Monday’s encounter will book a place in the Round of 16, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday in New Jersey, United States.