Last Word on Football brings you the latest team news and the confirmed lineups for Brazil vs Japan at the Houston Stadium, in an 18:00 GMT kick-off on June 29. Brazil will start as the favourites, but Japan have proven tough to beat the competition so far. Can the five-time winner progress once again to the last-16?.
Brazil vs Japan, Team News and Confirmed Lineups
Brazil Team News
Looking back at his team’s 3-0 win against Scotland, Carlo Ancelotti said:
“We’re not perfect. We can improve. For example, our pace on the ball. We can be quicker.”
“But I’m pleased because the team has improved a lot since the first match. Now it’s a knockout competition. We need to show real grit.”
Raphinha remains injured due to a hamstring injury. Neymar came on in the 75th minute against Scotland, and could play a bigger part in this last 32 clash against Japan, after his continued recovery from his calf injury. The excitement of the Brazilian fans when he gets the ball could be a huge boost for the squad in the knockout stages.
After the win against Scotland, it’s difficult to see Ancelotti making any changes. Rayan should retain his place on the right flank. All eyes will also be on the in-form Vinicius Jr, who has four goals in the tournament so far.
Japan Team News
Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo should be available following a knee injury, boosting the team’s attacking prowess.
It is also expected that Ko Itakura will be fit, despite his withdrawal against Sweden. It is also rumoured that Fabrício Bruno and Hugo Souza will not be available for Japan.
Brazil Confirmed Lineup
Starting XI: Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá, Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Jr.
Japan Confirmed Lineup
Starting XI: Zion Suzuki, Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano, Ayase Ueda.
Featured Image Credit:
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters
