Ancelotti keeps Brazil focused as Japan test looms

Carlo Ancelotti has made clear that Brazil are concentrating on preparation, not verbal sparring, before their World Cup round-of-32 match against Japan. The fixture brings together two unbeaten group-stage teams in one of the more balanced early knockout ties.

Brazil reached this stage by topping Group C after drawing with Morocco and then beating Haiti and Scotland by 3-0 scorelines. Japan finished second in Group F after draws with the Netherlands and Sweden, either side of a 4-0 win over Tunisia.

Japan’s form adds weight to the matchup. They are reported to be on a 10-game unbeaten run since a September loss to the United States, with that stretch including wins over England at Wembley and Brazil in Tokyo. Comments from Japan forward Kento Shiogai about Brazil’s status appear to have added pre-match edge, but Ancelotti declined to respond in kind.

Brazil also have Neymar back in the picture after his return against Scotland, his first national-team appearance in more than three years. Ancelotti said Neymar has improved and could play more than the 15 minutes he had in that match, though his role will depend on how the game unfolds.