Football: Japan mentor Minamino hopeful of another upset against Brazil

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Facing a round-of-32 encounter with Brazil on Monday, squad mentor Takumi Minamino is optimistic that Japan can clear the momentous hurdle and make an extended run at the World Cup.

The 31-year-old Monaco attacker was ruled out in December after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee but has been accompanying Japan's World Cup squad in a nonplaying capacity while working on his recovery.