HOUSTON, Texas — Japan is set to battle Brazil, marking another chapter in their history at the World Cup.
This matchup harkens back to their first encounter on football’s grandest stage, held in Germany two decades ago, where circumstances were noticeably different.
At that time, Japan was participating in their third World Cup, having made their debut in 1998 and co-hosted the tournament in 2002. Brazil, fresh off a record fifth title in 2002, was in prime form.
Not surprisingly, Brazil claimed a decisive victory, winning 4-1.
Their lineup featured footballing legends such as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaká. On Japan’s side, while they had notable players like Hidetoshi Nakata, Junichi Inamoto, and Shunsuke Nakamura, they couldn’t match the marquee status of their Brazilian counterparts. Many fans today might struggle to recognize most of the Samurai Blue from that era.
– Vickery: Has Brazil improved enough during the World Cup?
– Tan: Japan’s dream of World Cup glory faces a significant test against Brazil
– Connelly: FIFA World Cup predictions analysis: Who will win?
Back in 2006, Brazil had four players representing Real Madrid, three from AC Milan, and others at clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Arsenal. In contrast, Japan’s squad included just six players in Europe, with Nakata being the most prominent, though his club at the time, Fiorentina, was not considered a powerhouse.
Fast forward twenty years: Brazil remains the most illustrious nation in World Cup history, yet they have not secured a sixth title. Interestingly, Japan entered the 2006 tournament ranked 18th in the world, as they do this summer; however, their player pool has significantly evolved.
The Samurai Blue now field a squad rich in talent playing at various top-tier European clubs, with only three members called up from the domestic league: 39-year-old veteran Yūto Nagatomo, along with two backup goalkeepers, Keisuke Ōsako and Tomoki Hayakawa.
Even without injured stars like Kaoru Mitoma, Wataru Endo, and Takumi Minamino, Japan's squad still represents leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1. Their talents are also thriving in leagues like the Dutch Eredivisie, highlighted by Ayase Ueda, who finished as the top scorer in his league last season with an impressive 25 goals for Feyenoord.
Brazil, while perhaps not the powerhouse they once were, still boasts an impressive roster. At 34, Neymar is still a force, with Vinícius Júnior taking center stage. Gabriel Magalhães has emerged as one of the top center-backs globally, and Raphinha had a stellar 2024-25 season with Barcelona, despite facing fitness issues last term.
Nevertheless, Japan’s optimism ahead of their clash with Brazil feels tangible. Japan Football Association president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto stated to ESPN, "The players and the entire team are confident, even when facing Brazil."
Facing Brazil right at the onset of the knockout rounds might not phase Japan. Had they finished first in Group F, they may have encountered Morocco, a matchup that might not have been any easier, especially considering Morocco managed a 1-1 draw against Brazil in the group stage.
For a team that has declared their ambition to win the World Cup, they might genuinely believe that if they are to achieve their goal, overcoming a team like Brazil is inevitable.
Additionally, Japan finds encouragement in the fact that they triumphed over Brazil for the first time in October. Although it was merely a friendly encounter, they demonstrated resilience by coming from two goals down at halftime to win 3-2 against a near-full strength Brazilian side.
Much has transpired since the last World Cup meeting between Japan and Brazil on June 22, 2006, in Dortmund.
As they prepare for their matchup in Houston, Japan has a chance to showcase their growth over the past 20 years.