Japan striker names Brazil favorite, but says: "We are confident"
A surprise candidate in the World Cup, Japan challenges Brazil this Monday (29), in the round of 16 phase of the World Cup. Despite recognizing the favoritism of the Brazilian team, the Japanese squad showed confidence in qualifying for the round of 16.
Makada, one of the highlights of coach Hajime Moriyasu's team, reinforced that Japan should not change its identity to face Brazil. He highlighted points of attention to the attack of the team led by Carlo Ancelotti.
"For the game against Brazil, we will basically not change the way we play. I believe we will only make a few adjustments. However, if we are unable to keep our team compact or manage the risks well by leaving spaces behind the defense while attacking, I believe it will be a very difficult match. This is an aspect we need to pay attention to", said Daichi Makada.
The confidence of the Japanese team
Midfielder Koki Ogawa highlighted Brazil's favoritism, but reinforced Japan's confidence.
"Brazil is, regardless of anyone's opinion, one of the favorites for the title and I believe it is seen that way around the world. At the moment, it is natural that it is considered favorite for this match. But we also believe in our potential, and I think the people who follow the Japanese team are also very confident in this team", said Ogawa.
Japan advanced as second in Group F, with five points, behind the Netherlands. The team drew with the group leader and with Sweden - which advanced in third place - and beat Tunisia.
Reunion with Brazil
In the last meeting with Brazil, in October 2025, Japan won the friendly 3-2.
Defender Hiroki Ito, who started all three World Cup games, highlighted the changes in the Brazilian team and the atmosphere at the World Cup in relation to the previous friendly.
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Japan celebrating victory over Brazil - Toru Hanai/Getty Images
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Paulo Henrique celebrates goal for the Brazilian team - Toru Hanai/Getty Images
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Teams compete for the ball in a friendly match - Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
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Japan celebrating victory over Brazil - Toru Hanai/Getty Images
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Players celebrate after goal - Toru Hanai/Getty Images
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Japan celebrating victory over Brazil - Toru Hanai/Getty Images
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Paulo Henrique scores his first goal for the Brazilian national team in a friendly against Japan - Toru Hanai/Getty Images
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Fabrício Bruno during the friendly between Japan and Brazil - Toru Hanai/Getty Images
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Brazilian team to face Japan in a World Cup friendly - Disclosure/Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
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Japan x Brazil in World Cup friendlies - Disclosure/Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
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Teams face each other in a friendly - Disclosure/Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
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Brazilian squad singing the national anthem before the match - Disclosure/Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
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Samir Xaud and Miyamoto before the match at Ajinomoto Stadium
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"Compared to the previous friendly, the opposing players are different, and the World Cup is also a completely different environment from a preparatory game. Still, I believe we need to act solidly to win the victory", said the number 21, who plays for Bayern Munich, in Germany.
Defensive and offensive strategy
Hiroki Ito also spoke about the importance of defense. "In the next game against Brazil, as always, especially in the first half, we need to make it a priority not to concede goals. I think that, if we can do that, we will have more space in the second half. As a defender, my main focus is precisely to prevent the team from being leaked", he explained.
The defender also praised the quality of the defensive line. "Japan's defensive line has many players who have great quality with the ball at their feet. As defenders, everyone is confident when in possession and can distribute the game well. We want to maintain this level of performance."
Midfielder Daichi Kamada emphasized physical and mental preparation. "We are prepared to play up to 120 minutes, if necessary. But the players who start the match enter the field thinking about giving their all from the first minute, even if they only play for 60 or 70 minutes, leaving the sequence to whoever enters later."
Kamada added: "If we win, we will have five days until the next game, so against Brazil, we intend to give ourselves completely from the beginning. Mentally, I believe we are no longer in the habit of respecting our opponents excessively. In a good way, we can face even very strong teams in the same way we approach any other game. I think this is a good time for us."
"For a team that wants to win, scoring the first goal is also a very important factor from a psychological point of view. Therefore, first of all, we want to spend as long as possible without conceding goals. At the same time, we have players capable of scoring and, considering the quality of our attack, I believe we will be able to create opportunities. The important thing will be to take advantage of these chances", said player Koki Ogawa.
He concluded: "In any match, even during the course of the game, I believe that an attacker will always have at least one opportunity to score. Just take advantage of this one chance. Right now, I'm totally focused on this and I feel like I'm entering the field prepared and with total focus to decide when the opportunity arises."
Analysis: Japan has less tradition, but can provide work for Brazil
This text was generated by artificial intelligence based on content produced by Itatiaia. All information is investigated and checked by journalists. The final text is also reviewed by the CNN journalism team
Source: CNN