World Cup Predictions & Tips | Round of 32: Brazil v Japan

Match 76: Brazil v Japan
Location: Houston Stadium
Time: 5:00am Tuesday 30 June
Head to Head: Brazil Wins (11), Japan Wins (2), Draws (1)

Key Stats

• Brazil have scored 2+ goals in 6 of their last 7 games
• Brazil has progressed past the first knockout stage in the last 8 editions of this tournament
• Japan have failed to make it past the first knockout stage
• Vinicius and Cunha combined for 7 goals and 1 assist in the group stage

Preview

Brazil were below their best in a 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening match but have worked their way nicely into the tournament. Back-to-back 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland helped them top Group C and it must be said that they took the foot off the gas in both matches. Of the 6 goals they scored, 5 of them were in the first half! They have now score 2+ goals in 6 of their last 7 games and their attack looks to be growing in confidence.

Japan clinched second spot in their group with a 1-1 draw against Sweden and extended their unbeaten run to 10 games. The most impressive aspect of that run is that 8 of those games have been against teams taking part in this tournament. It also includes a 3-2 win over Brazil last October in a match that Brazil led 2-1 before taking off their key players (Vinicius, Guimaraes and others). The part of Japan’s game that deserves special mention is their defence which has allowed a total of only 3 goals across the last 8 games.

The biggest hurdle for the underdog is overcoming a poor history in this competition. Japan have never won a knockout match in this tournament (0-4 in 4 prior attempts) while Brazil have made it through to the quarter finals or better in the last 8 editions of this competition. One thing is for certain and that is Japan putting up a serious fight. They have 12 losses in the history of this competition and half of them (6) have been by a 1-0 scoreline. Brazil 1-0.

Player To Watch

The most dangerous player on the field is without question Vinicius Junior. There is a short list of elite players in this tournament but luckily for us they are all on fire! That includes Vinnie who has been spectacular with 4 goals and an assist in the group stage. Outside of the numbers, the threat that the Real Madrid winger poses means that he attracts multiple defenders and he big beneficiaries of this are his teammates. Cunha is at the top of that list with 2+ shots on target and 3 goals in the last two games.

Betting Tips

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals ($1.77)
Other: Brazil WIN/Under 3.5 goals ($2.30)
Correct Score: Brazil 1-0 ($6.60)
SGM: Both Teams To Score – NO, 1st Half Under 1.5 goals, Cunha 1+ Shots on Target