Brazil v Japan · OurXI

★ The storyline

Brazil march on

Brazil are through. They saw off Japan 2–1 in the round of 32, and a family that's followed them all summer dares to look a little further up the bracket. On to the next one.

WildcardDeveloping

Brazil snatch it late

Right at the death. Brazil found the winner deep into stoppage time against Japan in the round of 32 — the kind of goal that empties the lungs of a living room. Heartbreak one end, bedlam the other.

Golden BootDeveloping

Brazil's Attack on Display Against Japan's Rising Tide

Brazil roll into the Round of 32 with Junior providing sharp finishes up front after a two-goal performance in their previous fixture. Japan arrive as a disciplined, well-organised unit having picked up results in their group, playing crisp football and creating chances at a steady clip. This is a meeting between a traditional heavyweight in attacking form and an emerging challenger who believes they belong on the bigger stage. The question is whether Brazil's proven scoring potency will prove too much for Japan's measured, structured approach.

JuniorCarlo AncelottiHajime Moriyasu

Source: FOX Sports — via web search

Why it matters

Ours are out — Brazil in the round of 32. Win or go home.

Who to watch

★ Ours · Talisman

Vinícius Júnior

Brazil

The side is built around him — Brazil's source of gravity and flair up top.

Talisman

Takefusa Kubo

Japan

The creative spark Japan will lean on to unlock stubborn defences.

Developing

Japan are through to the last 32

Japan are into the last 32. Job done in the group, and now the tournament really begins — one-and-done from here, every match a final.

Developing

Brazil are through to the last 32

Brazil are into the last 32. Job done in the group, and now the tournament really begins — one-and-done from here, every match a final.

Developing

Brazil bow out

And there it ends. Brazil fall to Norway 2–1 in the last 16, and a summer of following them is over. It stings now — but what a ride it was, and there's no shame in going out swinging.

Developing

Brazil bow out

And there it ends. Brazil fall to Norway, and a summer of following them is over. It stings now — but what a ride it was, and there's no shame in going out swinging.