Houston: Brazil's World Cup knockout campaign begins with a challenging encounter against Japan in the round of 32 at the NRG Stadium. Carlo Ancelotti's side enters Monday's clash as favorites, but Japan, having topped Group F with an unbeaten run and seven goals, is poised for another upset.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Brazil will be without Raphinha due to a hamstring injury, though Neymar's return to fitness offers a boost. Ancelotti is expected to retain the lineup that secured a 3-0 win over Scotland, with Vinicius, Cunha, Paquet¡, and Rayan maintaining their places in the squad. Japan, on the other hand, faces the absence of star attacker Takefusa Kubo and possibly defensive anchor Kµ Itakura. Manager Hajime Moriyasu is likely to adjust his lineup, bringing Daichi Kamada into the attack and deploying Ritsu Doan as a wing-back.

In their last meeting, Japan achieved a historic 3-2 victory against Brazil in a friendly match. Despite Brazil's dominant overall record, this recent defeat has heightened the Sele§o's awareness of Japan's capabilities. Brazil's captain, Marquinhos, acknowledged the challenge, labeling the match as special and emphasizing the need for readiness.

Brazil's form includes a draw against Morocco and consecutive 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland, showcasing their defensive strength. Japan, having scored seven goals in the group stage, remains undefeated in the tournament. With Brazil's recent defensive solidity and Japan's attacking prowess, the match promises to be a tactical showdown.

Fans can watch the match on FOX Network and other channels across different regions. As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, Brazil aims to secure their spot in the next round, while Japan seeks to continue its impressive run in the World Cup.