After three games, what Ancelotti can take from the lesson to the duel with Japan

The group stage ended with the Brazilian team ranked first, with seven goals scored and only one conceded. More than the results, Carlo Ancelotti arrives at the duel against Japan, in the round of 32 of the World Cup, with some important answers after the first three games.

The main conclusion of the first phase is that the changes promoted by Ancelotti had an effect. Douglas Santos took over on the left flank and took advantage of the opportunity, becoming one of the team's good surprises. On the right side, Danilo also gained space and passed defensive security.

In attack, Matheus Cunha took advantage of the opportunity he received from the game against Haiti. The striker scored three goals in the World Cup and should be a starter in the next phase. Cunha also plays a role between the lines, helping to build plays.

Matheus Cunha celebrates Brazil's third goal against Scotland - Michael Reaves/Getty Images/Via Fifa

Another important change was in the way of playing. Brazil seems to have discarded the 4-2-4 and started to play in a 4-4-2 without possession of the ball. When they regain possession, the team transforms into a 4-3-3.

Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá and Matheus Cunha form a diamond in midfield that supports the team, while the wingers gain freedom to attack.

Favoritism does not eliminate caution
Japan has less tradition in World Cups than Brazil, but reaches the knockout stages as an organized and disciplined team. The team bets on intensity, speed and collective play, characteristics that have already caused difficulties for favorite teams in other editions of the tournament.

Japan players celebrating the goal scored against Sweden, in the World Cup - Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Zico, Flamengo's idol and former coach of the Japanese team, warned the Brazilian team about the speed and movement of Japan's players: "It's a game in which both teams propose a game. Brazil needs to be careful with the speed and movement of the guys, because they don't stop. They need to be aware of that", said the former player.

The group stage allowed room for recovery. Now, any mistake could mean elimination. Ancelotti managed to find a starting base, define a game model and recover important players, such as Neymar, who returned to play against Scotland.

Source: CNN