Across the tournament, AFC teams managed just three victories in the group stage. Only Australia and Japan survived to see the knockout rounds. But any hopes of a deep run evaporated in the Round of 32 when Japan fell 2-1 to heavyweights Brazil, courtesy of a devastating 95th-minute winner by Gabriel Martinelli.

Japan are nevertheless the clear underdogs going into this match. They finished second to Netherlands in Group F with a win over overmatched Tunisia and two draws. They don't have the history that Brazil can boast, but Japan have qualified for the knockouts at three straight World Cups and four of the past five, though never advancing past the round of 16.

Witness Tokyo's iconic Shibuya Crossing transform into a disciplined celebration after Japan's historic World Cup match. Inspired by legendary manga like Captain Tsubasa, the Samurai Blue combine cultural heritage with global sporting excellence.

Renard faces an immediate test against a Japan side he regards as Asia's best.

Japan is a power to reckon with, rather than a mere contender for glory, and having a development model and team that is built for that.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu left Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi and Vissel Kobe forward Yuya Osako out of his 26-man squad for the World Cup on Tuesday, saying he had opted for players with "burning ambition" over experience at the finals this month.

Brazil manager Tite said his team's "mentality" can make the difference at the World Cup, after they broke down a stubborn Japan in a 1-0 friendly win in Tokyo on Monday.