Houston: Five-time world champions Brazil national football team will take on the in-form Japan national football team in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter on Monday, with both sides aiming to secure a place in the next stage of the tournament.

The match at Houston Stadium promises to be one of the standout ties of the knockout phase, with Brazil seeking to continue their pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup title and Japan looking to create another major upset.

Japan eye repeat of last year’s shock victory

The two teams met in an international friendly last October, when Japan stunned Brazil by coming from two goals down to secure a memorable 3-2 victory.

Although the friendly carried little significance, the stakes are considerably higher this time, with elimination awaiting the losing side.

Brazil winger Rayan admitted ahead of the match that he was not fully familiar with the Japanese squad but acknowledged the challenge posed by the Samurai Blue.

“I don’t know who their best player is. I’d have to watch the video to be able to tell you. We know that Japan is a very strong team and we have to work hard to give it our all and beat them,” he said.

Japan’s organisation and discipline impress

Japan may not possess the star power of Brazil, but their fluid style of play and tactical discipline have earned widespread praise during the tournament.

The Samurai Blue have troubled opponents with their constant movement and intelligent use of space, securing draws against the Netherlands and Sweden during the group stage.

Forward Ayase Ueda and midfielder Daichi Kamada have each scored two goals in the competition and are among the team’s key attacking threats.

It was Ueda who completed Japan’s dramatic comeback victory over Brazil in last year’s friendly by scoring the decisive goal.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said his side would embrace the underdog tag.

“Some people will say Japan are underdogs. We will play with that in mind. We will respect the opponents, but like last year, we weren’t given a chance to win. This possibility to win — we can change history,” he said.

Neymar’s return boosts Brazil

Brazil began their campaign with a draw against Morocco before registering convincing 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland to top Group C.

For the South Americans, Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha have carried the attacking burden, scoring four and three goals respectively. Midfielder Bruno Guimarães has also impressed with three assists.

The team has performed well despite the absence of star forward Neymar, who was sidelined at the start of the tournament after suffering a calf injury while playing for his club.

Neymar made his first appearance of the World Cup during the victory over Scotland, coming on as a substitute for the final 15 minutes.

Brazil supporters will be hoping the experienced forward can play a more significant role against Japan.

Ancelotti demands further improvement

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has warned that his team still has room for improvement despite topping their group.

“We’re not perfect. We can improve. For example, our pace on the ball. We can be quicker,” Ancelotti said after the Scotland match.

“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.”

With Brazil chasing another world title and Japan dreaming of creating history, the clash in Houston is expected to produce one of the most intriguing contests of the World Cup so far.

Match details

Match: Brazil vs Japan, FIFA World Cup Round of 32
Date: Monday, June 29
Time: 10.30 pm IST
Venue: Houston Stadium

TV Broadcast: Unite8
Live Streaming: Zee5