Houston Stadium to Hold Brazil vs Japan
The Houston Stadium, in Houston, Texas, will stage the Round of 32 contest between Brazil, the Winners of Group C, and Japan, the runners-up in Group F.
Brazilian Guile vs Japanese Discipline
The guile and theatre of the sublime Brazilians will be up against the discipline and determination of the Japanese. Two brilliant footballing cultures from Latin America and Asia will be vying for a place in the top 16 as the FIFA World Cup enters the knockouts and the business end of the Tournament.
There is no second Chance
There is not going to be a second chance. A bit of a mistake, and the jets are ready to fly you home. The tension will be palpable, and for me there are no favourites when it comes to the knockouts in big events.
Brazil Have A Great Pedigree…
Brazil, however, have a great record historically, coupled with an extraordinary footballing pedigree. The Canarinho have been the reason why people play and watch football, and not only Brazil, but more than half of the world wants them to progress right up till the end.
… But Are Yet To Peak
Brazil have played well in this tournament so far, but have not peaked yet and have also not looked invincible. They drew with Morocco and had fairly easy contests with Haiti and Scotland. Barring the Atlas Lions, there wasn’t much of a competition.
The Samurai Are Playing Well…
Japan, Asia’s No. 1 Team, on the other hand, had a tougher group and played with lots of heart to first hold a brilliant Netherlands and then a tough Sweden, and managed to beat Tunisia on a canter. Despite losing Kubo in the process, the Samurai have done well.
… And Pose A Risk To Brazil
Japan for Brazil, therefore, is a high-risk opponent, and in knockouts, the degree of risk just amplifies. With Raphina injured, Vinicius Jr has somewhat carried the load of scoring on his shoulders by finding the target 4 times out of the 7 scored by Brazil. Matheus Cunha has been good too, and the defence held by Marquinhos has been steady, with just a goal conceded. But the Brazilians have not looked like the French. Japan will be a tougher opponent than Haiti and Scotland for sure. The Brazilians are yet to be tested, which is my concern before the Rd of 32.
Japan Need to thwart Vinicius Jr & take all their Chances
The Samurai have their own issues, with not a great defence and will have to be extremely good on the left flank to thwart Vinicius Jr. However, the foursome of Kamada, Tanaka, Ritsu Doan and Maeda will have to be at their best to convert every chance that comes their way. Ueda, in the centre forward position, can be a handful too.
Brazil Have The Edge But The Resilient Japanese are In the Way
Brazil, by all means have the edge over Japan, but a victory will have to be hard fought as the resilient Samurai will put everything on the pitch to deny the Canarinhos.
Match Details
The match is scheduled on Monday, June 29, 10.30 pm IST, Houston Stadium, Texas. Watch live on the ZEE5 App or Unite8 Sports 1 TV Channel in India.
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