Carlo Ancelotti has insisted his Brazil side are well-prepared to face dark horses Japan in the second round of 32 game of this year’s World Cup.
After a stuttering start to their tournament against Morocco, Brazil seemed to have found their mojo against Haiti and Scotland, breezing past both of them to top their group and set-up a round of 32 tie against Samurai Blue.
Led by talismanic wide man Vinícius Júnior’s four goals so far, Brazil eventually cruised to the top of Group C with Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha’s two goals also aiding Brazil’s positive run through the group stage.
The Brazil head coach said that his side are ready to compete despite not impressing in parts during the group campaign.
“I believe the team is ready, motivated, and confident. The last two matches went well, and we’ll be prepared for any situation,” he said.
“You have to know how to handle the pressure by staying focused on what needs to be done on the pitch. We’ll have to take care of every aspect, both defensively and offensively, playing as a team.”
Japan came into this tournament with a slew of admirers thanks to their hard-working and tenacious style, five points was enough to finish second in their group on goal difference but Ancelotti remained confident in his sides abilities.
“We’re facing a strong, organised, and quality opponent, so having clear ideas will be crucial. It’s a very important factor.
“Brazil has many very experienced players who know exactly how to prepare for and play in this kind of match. That’s why I’m very confident.”
Whilst Ancelotti’s confidence will be refreshing to see, the Italian manger made sure he didn’t underestimate the Japanese, especially after they beat Seleção 3-2 in a friendly match last October.
He said: “We’ll need a very strong mentality, a lot of heart and clear ideas. “We have to be ready for anything that can happen in a knockout match, because in these games, anything really can happen.”
One of the main talking points throughout this tournament for Brazil has been the inclusion and fitness of Neymar. Now applying his trade at boyhood club Santos, the 34-year-old was selected to as much fanfare as their was criticism.
With many believing the former Barcelona man would hardly be fit enough to make any impact, Ancelotti defended his selection and believes that his fitness continues to improve as will his impact on Brazil’s fortunes.
He said: “In the last week he’s made great progress. It’s a shame he couldn’t train consistently from the start of the camp, but now he’s able to work for longer periods and is in good condition.
“Whether he plays will depend on the context and how the match unfolds.”
Japan will certainly feel as though they’re capable repeat their victory over the South Americans in the round of 32, with striker Kento Shiogai alluding to Brazil as ‘fallen-giants’. Ancelotti was quick to dismiss his off-field comments.
“I won’t repeat what others say. We’re focused on the match, on the opponent’s qualities, on preparing well to avoid problems,” Ancelotti said.
“That’s what match preparation is about. We’re not doing, what they call in England, ‘mind games’, we’re not going there.”
Brazil’s round of 32 game with Japan kicks off at 18:00 (BST) and will be broadcast live on ITV1, ITVX, and STV Player.
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