Brazil topped Group C having won two of their three games
Japan reach the knockout stages for the third consecutive World Cup
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Date, kick-off time, stadium, competition
Monday June 29, 18:00 BST at NRG Stadium, Houston – World Cup Round of 32
Where to watch
ITV, livescorebet.com, virginbet.com
Outright odds
Team news
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti might still be without the services of Raphinha. The winger picked up a hamstring injury during the 3-0 victory over Haiti and he has yet to resume training ahead of this clash.
This suggests the Italian will go with the same attacking line-up that started against Scotland. Vinicius Jnr will start on the left, with Rayan keeping his place on the right and Matheus Cunha operating through the middle.
Ko Itakura had to be subbed off in the first half of Japan's game against Sweden due to injury. Thankfully, the injury is not serious, although it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to start against Brazil.
One player who will miss the clash is Takefusa Kubo, who is not currently training properly due to a knee injury.
The stats
Brazil and Japan have met at the World Cup just once before. That came in the group stages of the 2006 edition and the Selecao claimed a comfortable 4-1 victory.
Since then, the two teams have played six times, with Brazil winning five. Last time out, though, Japan finally defeated the Brazilians, sealing a stunning comeback to win 3-2 having trailed by two goals at one stage.
Both teams have scored in six of Brazil's previous eight matches, while two of Japan's last three games has seen both teams finding the net.
Brazil have played Asian opposition on four occasions at the World Cup, winning all four games.
Japan have faced off five times against South American sides at the tournament since 1998. The Samurai Blue have won just one of those five encounters, a 2-1 win over Colombia in 2018.
Vinicius Jnr has become the first Brazilian player since Ronaldo in 2002 to score across all three group stage matches.
Ayase Ueda became the first Japanese player to score twice in a single World Cup match during the 4-0 win over Tunisia.
Prediction
This could well be one of the most exciting matches of the round of 32 and it is a shame a tie with this much quality is happening so early.
Nevertheless, Brazil know if they are to win a sixth World Cup, facing the best teams is going to happen sooner rather than later.
The 3-2 defeat in October 2025 might still be fresh in Ancelotti's mind ahead of this game, but the Brazilians have steadily built momentum during this tournament.
Japan will enter the tie with plenty of confidence, especially in front of goal. The question is, can they outscore Brazil?
It promises to be an enthralling match and expect the South Americans to edge it.
Score prediction: Brazil 3-2 Japan
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