Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAfter co-hosts Canada got the knockout phase underway with their last-gasp victory over South Africa on Sunday night, theres a packed slate of round-of-32 fixtures on Monday.The early kick-off promises to be a doozy, as perennial contenders and five-time World Cup winners Brazil take on a Japan side that impressed during the group stage.The prize for the winners in Houston will be a last-16 tie against either Ivory Coast or Norway. And while Brazil will be favourites to progress, can a plucky Japan side upset the odds?Brazil vs Japan predictionBoth teams were able to negotiate the group stage unbeaten, with Brazils toughest test being a 1-1 draw against 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, while Scotland and Haiti were both swept aside without too much drama.For Japan, an opening 2-2 draw with the Netherlands was the kind of resilient performance that we have come to expect from the Samurai Blue in recent years, before Tunisia were thrashed 4-0. A 1-1 draw with Sweden was enough for both sides to then progress. You may like How to watch Brazil vs Japan for FREE Who is the referee for Brazil vs Japan? Brazil vs Morocco prediction, as the Selecao get their campaign started against the AFCON champions Recent history suggests an entertaining clash at the home of the Houston Texans, with Japan claiming a 3-2 win, to record their first victory over Brazil in 14 attempts when the two teams met last October.This is a run that has seen Japan down the likes of England, Ghana and Scotland, with Hajime Moriyasu able to forge a side that are consistantly competative against any opponent.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Both sides netted seven times in the group stage, with Japan now on a 10-match unbeaten run, during which they have scored in every game, so our first prediction here is that there will be goals.But do Japan have the quality and depth to go toe-to-toe with their storied opponents, should this one turn into something of a shootout? Even with Raphinha again ruled out for the Sele�o, Carlo Ancelottis men will likely have too much attacking quality for Moriyasus men.The key player in this one is likely to be Vinicius Junior, who netted four times in the group stage and appears to be rejuvenated under Ancelotti at this World Cup, no doubt thanks to their history going back to their days together at Real Madrid.Brazil vs Japan score predictionWe're backing a thriller, with Japan giving as good as they get before the South Americans use their depth and experience to find an extra gear late on.Score prediction: Brazil 3-2 JapanTOPICSJapanJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.
