Can Brazil overcome Japan threat?

Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil have grown into this World Cup with every passing game, but as the tournament enters its knockout phase, there is little room for error. The Selecao face arguably their toughest challenge yet when they take on an impressive Japan side in tonight's Round of 32 clash in Houston.

Brazil's pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup title began in underwhelming fashion with a 1-1 draw against Morocco. However, convincing 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland have restored belief and suggested that Ancelotti's side are steadily rediscovering their identity.

There has been a clear pattern to Brazil's campaign. With every match, they have looked sharper, more cohesive and increasingly confident. Their third goal against Scotland perhaps offered the clearest glimpse yet of the trademark Samba football that defined the country's most successful generations.

Bruno Guimaraes controlled the ball with one swift movement to wrong-foot his marker before threading a perfectly weighted pass to Matheus Cunha, whom he had spotted only in his peripheral vision. The Manchester United forward did the rest, calmly finishing the move to cap one of Brazil's best passages of play in the tournament.

That is exactly the level Ancelotti and Brazil's supporters will hope the Selecao can resume from against Japan, with an even stronger touch of Joga Bonito at Houston Stadium.

The transformation from the side that stumbled against Morocco has been evident across the pitch.

Cunha replaced an ineffective Igor Thiago after the opening game and has since scored three goals, emerging as the most sought-after solution to Brazil's No. 9 problem.

Vinicius Junior has also silenced doubts over whether he could reproduce his club form for the national team. The winger has scored in all three matches and sits among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot with four goals.

Then there is Neymar. The playmaker returned in Brazil colours after 981 days when he came off the bench against Scotland. His brief cameo was not enough to fully assess his condition after a succession of injuries since his last Brazil start in October 2023, but it was enough to lift hopes within the squad and among supporters.

Whether Ancelotti hands Neymar a starting role against Japan remains to be seen. Should the veteran be restored to the XI, it would likely trigger a reshuffle, with Lucas Paqueta the most probable player to make way as Neymar naturally operates in the No. 10 role.

Japan, meanwhile, provide both a dangerous opponent and added motivation for Brazil. The five-time world champions suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat to the Samurai Blue in a friendly in October 2025 despite leading 2-0, conceding three goals in less than 20 minutes as Japan secured their first-ever victory over Brazil after 14 previous meetings.

"Perhaps... they will be even more motivated," Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu said.

That famous comeback was no fluke. Moriyasu's side have again showcased their resilience in this tournament, recovering from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands before thrashing Tunisia 4-0 and then holding Sweden to a 1-1 draw.

Japan have already scored seven goals at this World Cup -- their highest tally in a single edition -- underlining that they are unlikely to abandon their proactive style against one of the tournament favourites.

"We will be playing against a Brazil side that is very keen to win. I'm looking forward to it," Moriyasu said, making no attempt to hide his ambition of upsetting Brazil once again.

For Brazil, the contest is about far more than revenge. It is an opportunity to show that the steady progress made throughout the group stage can be carried into the knockout rounds. Against the toughest opposition they have faced so far, the Selecao now have the chance to prove they are finally beginning to resemble genuine World Cup contenders once again.