Prediction: Brazil vs Japan

Two camps who will get their respective World Cup knockout stage adventures underway on Monday night, Brazil will meet Japan in Houston.

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Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Starting with Brazil, while the South America icons might have been left frustrated on June 14th as they opened their World Cup charge with a 1-1 stalemate in Morocco in New Jersey, Carlo Ancelotti’s camp came roaring back in a dominant fashion. Signing off their Group C campaign with consecutive 3-0 victories against Scotland and Haiti, the former Real Madrid boss saw his superstar squad wrap up top spot without having to get out of third gear. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a 2-1 win against Egypt earlier in the month, Brazil have their sights fixed on mounting a genuine charge for a history-making sixth World Cup crown. Although Ancelotti’s side might have found a real clinical edge in the final third over the past couple of months, the Selecao should be bracing themselves for a stern examination when they arrive in Houston on Monday night.

In what is a huge blow for Anacleotti’s camp, Barcelona talisman Raphinha is dealing with a recent thigh injury and won’t play any part on Monday night. Completing a free transfer to MLS giants Inter Miami last week, veteran midfielder Casemiro will start in the middle of the park.

Coming off the bench and making a late cameo appearance against Scotland on Thursday, all-time leading goalscorer Neymar should get some more minutes under his belt. Bagging both goals against the Tartan Army in midweek and already registering four goals in his three group stage appearances so far this summer, Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior will spearhead Brazil’s charge.

As for Japan, while Hajime Moriyasu’s camp might arrive in Houston on Monday night more than aware that they face a monumental challenge, the Samurai Blue have rightfully gained a reputation for their rugged approach. Putting five points on the board from their trio of Group F appearances this summer, the Asian powerhouse secured a silver medal finish behind the Netherlands. Making an almighty statement on March 31st as they claimed a famous 1-0 victory against England at Wembley, Japan certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Breezing their way to North America following a routine qualifying romp last year, Moriyasu’s men have lost just a pair of their previous 28 showdowns across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to February 2024.

Picking up a summer-ending foot injury during Japan’s pre-tournament preparations, Liverpool midfielder Wandu Endo has not been included in Moriyasu’s squad. Suffering a first-half knock against Sweden earlier in the week, the Samurai Blue are sweating over the fitness of Ajax defender Ko Itakura.

Bagging a stellar World Cup brace against Tunisia on June 21st and heavily linked with a blockbuster European switch this summer, Ayase Ueda will spearhead Japan’s attack. Helping Crystal Palace to a maiden piece of European silverware last month, Daichi Kamada will start in the middle of the park.

Brazil vs Japan Key Factors to Consider

• When Brazil and Japan last met back in October 2025, the Samurai Blue claimed a thrilling 3-2 friendly victory In Tokyo.
• Brazil have registered 18 goals in just their previous six appearances across all competitions.
• Japan have lost just a pair of their previous 28 showdowns across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to February 2024.
• Real Madrid talisman Vinicius Junior has registered four goals in his three World Cup group stage appearances this summer.
• Seven of the previous eight historic battles between Brazil and Japan have finished with over 2.5 goals.

While Brazil might arrive in Houston on Monday night universally regarded as a standout contender, the South American icons should be bracing themselves for a stern examination. Falling to a rollercoaster 3-2 loss when they travelled to Tokyo for a friendly battle back in November, they will meet a Japan squad who have received a string of plaudits for their disciplined approach. With seven of the last eight showdowns between Monday’s knockout stage opponents finishing with over 2.5 goals, neutrals will be hoping for another thriller from Houston.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

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