Japan vs Brazil match summary
Brazil were not always brilliant during Carlo Ancelotti’s short time in charge, but the way they were was They beat South Korea 5-0 on Friday It indicates that the crafty Italian is starting to find a winning formula.
With players of the caliber of Willian Estévão, Rodrigo and Vinicius Junior at his disposal, Ancelotti needs to find a formation that provides stability in defense while also giving freedom for his attacking talents to flourish.
It worked in Seoul as the aforementioned trio were all on the scoresheet, as Brazil overtook the team that secured their place in the World Cup finals in June.
The task now is to repeat this performance in Tokyo.
“Of course, the individual qualities of Brazilian players naturally create beautiful football,” Ancelotti said. “But beautiful football is not just about individual taste or skills – it is also about collective movement, organization and excellence both on and off the ball. This is what I consider to be truly beautiful football.”
The former Real Madrid coach repeatedly emphasized the collective aspect more than the individual one before the match in South Korea and was quick to strike a similar tone here.
However, he confirmed that he will make some changes for the Japan match, taking into account the fact that he will need to utilize his World Cup squad.
“It’s a time when we can try some things,” he added. He added: “We have to manage two things: a team that will gradually become more specific for the World Cup, and other players we want to see integrate.”
One player that most Brazilian fans would like to see included is Neymar, who remains out despite some good performances from Santos.
The country’s all-time top goalscorer would boost any team, and Ancelotti says he remains part of his plans. “He can play at the highest level,” he said of the 33-year-old.
“When he is healthy, he has the quality to play not only for the national team, but for any team in the world.”
Japan’s mission is to convince its fans that it will be a major force after the World Cup.
Since securing qualification, their performance has been largely disappointing, with a 0-0 draw with Mexico followed by a 2-0 defeat to the United States.
On Saturday, they needed a 94th-minute equalizer from Ayase Ueda to draw 2-2 with Paraguay and extend their unbeaten run at home to 20 games.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said: “We will play at home and aim to achieve a good result.”
“While we are of course aware that Brazil is one of the best teams in the world, our players are now competing on the European stage, and we want to compete toe-to-toe.
“We want to fight on equal terms and test where we are now and see what we still lack. We will challenge ourselves, look at the game and grow from it.”
Team news for the Japan vs Brazil match
Brazilian winger Estevao is unlikely to play due to a severe cold. Goalkeeper Hugo Souza is likely to replace Pinto in goal.
Moriyasu has the bulk of the squad that played at the weekend and will be wary of making too many changes given the strength of the opposition.
The expected lineup for the Japan vs. Brazil match
Japan: Z Suzuki; Seiko, Watanabe, J. Suzuki; Ito, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Duan, Minamino; Ogawa
Brazil: Sousa; Vitinho, Militao, Gabriel, Santos; Guimarães, Casemiro; Rodrigo, Cunha, Vinicius Junior; Richarlison
How to watch the Japan-Brazil match
The Japan-Brazil match kicks off at 11:30 UK time tomorrow morning. It is not available to watch on TV or streaming in the UK.
Japan vs Brazil match statistics
Predict the result of the Japan vs Brazil match
Brazil should have too much for Japan, although that may depend on how experimental Ancelotti decides to be.
Japan is a good team at home but we hope Brazil wins.
Prediction: Japan 1-2 Brazil
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