Arlington: Japan will head into their FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against Brazil with confidence, head coach Hajime Moriyasu said on Thursday.
The Japanese tactician said he was relishing the chance of locking horns with the five-time world champions, with the sides to meet in the Round of 32 on Monday.
The last meeting between the sides – an international friendly last October – ended 3-2 in favour of Japan which halted a run of 13 consecutive matches without victory for the East Asian side against the South American giants.
“Last time we proved to Brazil that we aren’t a pushover,” Moriyasu said. “That is great progress for us. The Brazilian team is a top team in the world and we greatly respect them.
“We don’t know what is going to happen but we will have a chance to win as well.”
Japan’s meeting with Brazil was confirmed following their 1-1 draw with Sweden on Thursday, which meant a second-place finish in Group F with the Netherlands finishing top.
Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead soon after the break but Anthony Elanga levelled six minutes later, with Moriyasu admitting that he was disappointed to see his side concede after having worked so hard to go ahead.
“We conceded a goal and in the world of football that is how it goes,” he said, saying he decided on a more defensive approach after the equaliser to safeguard the point.
In charge since 2018, Moriyasu’s tactical acumen will be tested again by Vinicius Junior-led Brazil tomorrow.
