HOUSTON, Texas - Record five-time winners Brazil stand in the way of Japan's first knockout-phase win at the World Cup and manager Hajime Moriyasu was both respectful and confident a day before what could be a monumental game.
"Qualifying for the knockout stage is the same as what we achieved in past tournaments," Moriyasu told a press conference on Sunday at Houston Stadium, the venue for the round-of-32 clash.
"Our players are saying the World Cup starts right now, and that's a reflection of how far Japanese football has come."
Injured Takefusa Kubo has been ruled out of the game against Brazil, guided by revered Italian Carlo Ancelotti, the first manager to win all five top European leagues as well as five Champions League titles and the first foreign manager of the Selecao.
Moriyasu thanked Brazil for the huge influence they have had on Japan's rise, having played under Falcao for Japan and seen Zico manage the Samurai Blue at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, two of Brazil's golden midfield quartet from 1982.
"(Falcao) taught me that the bottom line was to play with confidence, to have a strong character backed by a high level of technique," said Moriyasu, who has sought to instill a spirit of indomitability during his eight-year tenure.
"There's no need to change the identity of Japanese football. We have many characteristics that are special, ones that we can proudly express to the world. We should keep inheriting them and continue."
Japan captain Ko Itakura told the media after a training session that the team have "real confidence in what we've built" and are looking to "seriously challenge for the World Cup title," adding, "We don't want to finish as just a good team."
Speaking at a press conference, Brazil skipper Marquinhos stated their Asian opponents have entered the tournament with "more confidence," with the South Americans struggling in recent years. Wary of a potential upset, he vowed to "show we are the better team."
Japan secured their first victory over Brazil, albeit in a friendly, last October with a 3-2 win in Tokyo, a result that Moriyasu claimed showed his team the chance of prevailing was "no longer zero percent."
Ancelotti, whose team will enter the upcoming clash after four days' rest compared with three for Japan, said the defeat was "a good experience" that helped them realize the Samurai Blue are "very competitive," even claiming they are "one of the best in the world."
"We have total respect. We prepare like a final, because it is a final," said Ancelotti, who singled out keeper Zion Suzuki as one Japan player he keeps an eye on as he plays for his old team Parma.
Playing in their eighth straight World Cup, Moriyasu emphasized Japan are "seriously aiming for the title" while also hoping to inspire upcoming generations.
"I'm saying it also for our future as Japanese can definitely achieve it," he said. "Brazil are the favorites at any World Cup, while I want us to battle through this tournament as the favorite among the dark horses."
"We'll do our best to change history once again. We get to play a match that the world will be watching, and I want it to be one that gives us confidence in our future."
