Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu is leaning on the team’s unity as they prepare to tackle Brazil in Houston today, with a place in the World Cup last 16 very much the target.
Japan were widely viewed as outsiders heading into the tournament in North America, but they advanced from their group as runners-up, collecting one victory and two draws to finish behind the Netherlands.
As the knockout clash with the five-time World Cup champions approaches, Moriyasu has focused on the mindset within the camp and how that togetherness can become a deciding factor.
“All the players will do what they can for the team and contribute,” Moriyasu said. “The team is united and that feeling is getting even stronger now.”
Moriyasu is set to be without Takefusa Kubo again after the winger picked up a knee injury during the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands that kicked off Japan’s World Cup campaign.
Japan did manage to beat Brazil 3-2 at home in a friendly in October, yet Moriyasu stressed that Carlo Ancelotti’s side will arrive in Houston as a different proposition.
He also believes Brazil will be motivated by the earlier defeat and will look to turn the result around.
“It is a different team and they will be more motivated to play against us, they will be intent on beating us,” Moriyasu said.
“We feel the match will be very intense,” he added. “We have a chance and it will be tough… we will be at full force.”
On the bigger picture, Japan’s history in the tournament shows they have never progressed beyond the last 16, while Brazil are chasing a record-breaking sixth World Cup crown.
There is also the question of recovery time. Brazil will have had more opportunity to rest after completing their group fixtures a day before Japan.
Moriyasu acknowledged that the situation leaves Japan “relatively disadvantaged,” but insisted it cannot be used as an explanation.
The winners of today’s tie will then meet Norway or Cote d’Ivoire in the next round.
Looking back at past World Cup meetings, Japan were once on the verge of a breakthrough four years ago, shocking Germany and Spain in the group stage before being eliminated in the last 16 after a penalty shootout loss to Croatia.
Brazil’s previous campaign followed a similar pattern, with a quarter-final exit also decided on penalties against Croatia.
