Japan look to turn tables on mentors Brazil on World Cup stage

Japan's quest to advance deep into the World Cup faces a significant test as they prepare for a last-32 clash against Brazil, a nation that has profoundly influenced the development of football in the four-time Asian Cup-winning country. Hajime Moriyasu's squad harbors ambitions of reaching a first-ever final, bolstered by high-profile victories over Germany, Spain, and England in recent years.

The J-League, established in 1993, drew heavily on inspiration from Brazil, the multiple World Cup winners, and actively recruited their players. Icons like Zico, a key figure in Brazil's 1982 World Cup team, came out of retirement to play for Kashima Antlers. This influx of talent, including Bismarck and Elivelton, marked the beginning of a trend where Brazilian national team players moved to Japan.

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Anyone who hasn't been paying attention to Japanese football will be surprised. I am not. Since I was there I learned that Japanese football is improving, year after year, step by step. Their discipline was something that always appeared to be fantastic. But now they have fantastic players such as (Daizen) Maeda and (Ayase) Ueda. They have a great lineup, they played well in their three games and facing Brazil will be their ultimate challenge.

By the late 1990s, seven members of Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning squad, including captain Dunga, had played for Japanese clubs. Their presence significantly contributed to the rapid development of the sport in Japan. Cesar Sampaio, who played for Brazil in the 1998 World Cup while contracted to J-League club Yokohama Flugels, noted the continuous improvement in Japanese football, highlighting their discipline and the emergence of talented players like Daizen Maeda and Ayase Ueda.

While Japan has achieved success against Brazil before, notably a 1-0 victory at the 1996 Olympic Games dubbed the 'Miracle in Miami,' and a 3-2 friendly win in October 2023, their World Cup encounters have been less favorable. The teams have met only once previously at the World Cup, in 2006, where Brazil secured a 4-1 victory, leading to Japan's exit from the tournament. That match saw Zico, a pivotal figure in shaping Japanese football, managing the Japanese side.

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The match between Japan and Brazil holds deep significance. Over the years, Brazil has profoundly influenced Japanese soccer, dating back to the early days of the J-League and the arrival of Brazilian players.