Five-time FIFA World Cup winners Brazil booked their place in the Round of 32 as Group winners with seven points and now face Japan in Houston. Ahead of the tournament, head coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted that his team must rely on “mind, heart, and common sense” to keep their World Cup campaign alive.Brazil endured a slow start to the tournament, being held 1-1 by Morocco in their opening match. However, the Seleção bounced back impressively with back-to-back 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland. The seven-point haul, combined with a +6 goal difference, ensured that Brazil finished at the top of their group in 12 consecutive FIFA World Cup matches, a tournament that began in 1982.Japan also went into the Round of 32 undefeated. They opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, defeated Tunisia 4-0, and secured qualification after a 1-1 draw with Sweden.With both teams entering the knockout stages unbeaten, Ancelotti expects a tough competition and believes Brazil must be mentally and emotionally prepared for what is possible.“We need more things: our minds and our hearts,” Ancelotti told reporters at a pre-match press conference. “We have to prepare for everything that can happen in a knock-out game because many things can happen, extra time, penalties. We are prepared for any situation. I think the team is ready. It is motivated and confident. We played well in our last two games, so we are ready for whatever tomorrow brings,” he added. The Italian manager also reminded his players that there is nothing wrong from now on.“It’s not a two-legged knock. It’s one game,” Ancelotti said.“There is no way back. Brazil has smart players who understand this. We are a strong team that knows how to prepare for this type of game, and I believe we can face this challenge,” said Ancelotti with confidence. Brazil and Japan last met in a friendly last October, with the Asian side recovering from two goals down to win 3-2 in Tokyo.
