Coach says Japan will not be an easy opponent for Brazil

Brazil is one of the best teams in the world, but Japan will not be an easy opponent when the two teams meet in Houston in the round of 16 of the World Cup, coach Hajime Moriyasu said on Thursday, after his team finished second in Group F.

Moriyasu added that the 3-2 comeback victory over the Brazilians in Tokyo last October, which secured the team's first victory against the five-time champions, showed that Japan will enter the field on Monday looking to do more than simply put up a good fight.

"Last time, we proved to Brazil that we are not an easy opponent," said Moriyasu. "This is great progress for us. The Brazilian team is one of the best in the world and we respect them a lot."

"During the match, we don't know what will happen. We will also have a chance to win."

Japan secured a place in the clash against Brazil after drawing 1-1 with Sweden on Thursday in Dallas. Daizen Maeda opened the scoring, but Moriyasu's team conceded a goal minutes later. The result guaranteed Japan second place in the group, behind the Netherlands.

Moriyasu said he was disappointed to concede the goal, but since the game was tied, he opted to field defensive players to secure the point and second place in the group.

"We conceded a goal and, in the world of football, that's how things happen," he said.

Japan's result is also good for Asian football, Moriyasu said, adding that his team represents the sporting ambition of the entire region and that progressing to the knockout stages demonstrates the growth of football in his country.

"This is what we wanted to do from the beginning of the competition and this is proof of the growth of Japanese football," he said.

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Source: CNN