In Houston, five-time world champions Brazil will face Japan. The match on 29 June could prove to be a real spectacle.
Brazil national football team
It cannot be said that the Brazilians have been putting on impressive displays. The team has effectively capitalised on their opponents’ mistakes rather than creating a host of chances in front of the opposition’s goal.
Fans are hoping that legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti will lead them out of their run of early knockout-stage exits. Brazil have been knocked out in four of their last six World Cup knockout-stage matches — more than in their previous 17 tournaments combined (3).
The ‘Green and Yellows’ have won all four of their World Cup matches against AFC sides. The team have secured seven of their last eight victories by a margin of at least two goals.
Japan national football team
Hajime Moriyasu’s side are no pushovers. Their disappointing results after the group stage suggest anything but weakness. The “Blue Samurai” have never won a knockout match at a World Cup finals tournament.
In the team’s three World Cup matches, there have been an average of nine corners per game, which is quite an interesting fact.
Ayase Ueda and Daichi Kamada are aiming to set a record. Both players could become the first Asian players in history to score three goals each at a single World Cup.
Brazil v Japan: Prediction
Brazil are the favourites for this match, but is that justified. The team are certainly strong in attack, but they will be up against a side capable of capitalising on counter-attacks.
The Japanese won’t sit back in defence, although they will build their play from the back. Still, we can expect a hard-fought contest.
Over 2.5
