Japanese Expert: 'Longer 0-0, Easier Brazil Lose Control'
Former star Hisato Sato says Brazil face big pressure, lose control first if match stays scoreless long against Japan in 2026 World Cup round of 16.
Douglas Santos (yellow) battles Achraf Hakimi in Morocco 1-1 Brazil match, Group C 2026 World Cup, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US, June 13. Photo: Reuters
On Fuji TV show Mr. Sunday June 28, Sato says Brazil weak in defense, transition. To prove, 44-year-old former striker cites play in Brazil 1-1 Morocco group match. Minute 8, Morocco steal ball in own half, counter-attack with five passes, dribbles before shot, blocked by Brazil defender.
Sato says four Brazil attackers, including Vinicius and Raphinha, fail to track back. "If Morocco calm, pass wide or put more men in box instead of shooting early, they create bigger threat," he says.
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Former striker born 1982 says Japan must play like Netherlands match in group stage, accept long defense periods, avoid opponent style. "Key is win ball in own half, counter fast. Brazil track back slow," Sato says.
Sato scored four goals in 41 matches for Japan 2006-2010. He predicts Japan win 1-0, says longer 0-0 lasts, more mental pressure on Brazil.
*Brazil 1-1 Morocco highlights.
Meanwhile, Yoshito Okubo says key to Japan surprise is tight defense, counter-attack, like wins over Spain, Germany in 2022 World Cup. Okubo says only goal Brazil conceded shows transition weakness. After losing ball in opponent half, Brazil midfielders fail to press, let Morocco make two vertical passes, score.
"When losing ball, they do not fight hard. Players watch teammates instead of pressing," Okubo analyzes on Nippon TV show Going! Sports & News June 27.
44-year-old former player jokes that except two center-backs, many Brazil players jog back, like "knowing they cannot catch up, leave all to defense." Okubo says Brazil have stars but lack discipline at times, giving Japan chances to exploit space.
Yoshito scored 6 goals in 60 matches for Japan team under legend Zico (coach 2002-2006). At club level, he won top scorer, J-League Best XI three straight seasons 2013, 2014, 2015.
*Japan 2-2 Netherlands highlights.
Former center-back Marcus Tulio Tanaka says current Brazil weakest in memory. According to Tulio, Brazil lack quality attack of past, full-backs clear weakness. "Compared to past generations, Danilo, Douglas Santos not same class as legend Brazil full-backs. Weak in attack support, defense not impressive," he says.
Former center-back rates Neymar low. Says 33-year-old striker unfit, lacks sharp edge, unlikely to start. Tulio says Brazil pass group stage due to easy group, not dominant strength.
Born in Brazil, naturalized center-back supports Japan in clash. "Heart belongs to Japan Blue. Grateful to Japan, country helped me grow," he says.
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