Brazil – Japan 1–1
Saying that either team is a guaranteed winner here would just be fooling yourself. Brazil traditionally gets short odds simply because of its reputation, while only the bravest bettors would dare back Japan against Brazil.
Like many others, I'll be cheering for Brazil because they're an exciting and entertaining team. But let's look at it objectively. Brazil beat Haiti—which was expected. Then they drew with Morocco and were close to slipping up. Against Scotland, whose players looked more like bakers and fishermen, Vinícius scored twice after the defenders practically handed him the ball.
Japan are a well-organized team led by a coach who has been in charge for nine years. During that time, he has built a strong squad that currently has no equal in Asia. Carlo Ancelotti is obviously a genius, but neither Brazil's tactics nor the team's overall performances have impressed me in these three matches. Vi
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