Japan have declared they will “give everything” as they prepare to face Brazil in the last 32 of the World Cup in Houston on Monday.
Japan finish second in Group F behind Netherlands
Hajime Moriyasu’s team reached the knockout stage after a 1-1 draw with Sweden at the home of the Dallas Cowboys. They finished second in Group F with one win and two draws, behind group winners the Netherlands.
Attention now turns to a heavyweight encounter with a Brazil side featuring Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior and coached by the Italian Carlo Ancelotti.
Defender Yukinari Sugawara said after the draw with Sweden that the occasion left no room for hesitation. “There is no bigger stage,” he said. “We need to give 120 per cent against Brazil, and to do that we must stand together as one team and one nation, and prepare with everything we have.”
Brazil, five-time World Cup winners, go into the match as strong favourites to reach the last 16 in North America. Japan, however, are viewed as potential dark horses and previously defeated Brazil 3-2 in a friendly in October.
Moriyasu cautioned that the Brazilians may carry a sense of revenge into the fixture. “Perhaps because of that match, they will be even more motivated,” he said.
Veteran defender Shogo Taniguchi termed the tie as decisive. “From here on, if we lose it is all over. We must move into a higher gear for the next match,” he said.
Japan lead Sweden after Maeda goal; Elanga equalises following Suzuki error
Japan took the lead in the second half against Sweden through Daizen Maeda, before Anthony Elanga equalised shortly after, capitalising on a moment goalkeeper Zion Suzuki may have handled better.
Despite late pressure from Sweden, Japan held on. Suzuki said the side believe they can compete with any opponent, referencing their earlier win over England at Wembley in preparation for the tournament.
“We know they are a strong team, but if we do things right, we can definitely win,” he said of Brazil. “I want to approach this match as if it is the final.”
