“We will do our best to make history” Hajime Moriyasu Backs Japan To Make History Against Brazil

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu says his players are determined to make history when they face five-time champions Brazil in Monday's FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash, insisting the Samurai Blue have every reason to believe they can produce another famous upset.

Japan enter the knockout tie unbeaten after finishing second in Group F, while Brazil topped Group C with convincing victories over Haiti and Scotland following an opening draw against Morocco.

Although Moriyasu acknowledged Brazil's status as one of the tournament favourites, he stressed that his players have no intention of approaching the contest with fear.

"Brazil is always considered a strong contender to win the tournament, but we want to win and change history," Moriyasu said in his pre-match press conference.

"We respect them, but we have a chance to win. We will do our best to make history."

Japan famously defeated Brazil 3-2 in a friendly in Tokyo last October, earning their first-ever victory over the South Americans, but Moriyasu believes that result only adds another layer of difficulty to Monday's meeting.

"It is a different team, and they will be more motivated to play against us. They will be intent on beating us."

"We feel the match will be very intense. We have a chance, and it will be tough... we will be at full force."

The 56-year-old also reflected on how his squad has matured since reaching the knockout stages of the previous World Cup, believing the mentality within the camp has evolved significantly.

"After the three group matches, we managed to advance to the knockout stage, which is the same as before in terms of results. But now, the players feel like this is where the World Cup really starts, and they're aiming even higher."

"We're going to give it our all, aiming straight for victory and putting everything we've got into it. Through the whole match, we want to keep growing and improving so we can grab that win."

Japan will, however, be without one of their most influential attacking players after Moriyasu confirmed that Takefusa Kubo has failed to recover from the knee injury suffered in the tournament opener.

"Kubo can't play. He's not back in full training yet and has only been doing some individual running drills, so he won't be playing in tomorrow's game. We all hope he recovers quickly, and he's been working hard to get back in shape."

Moriyasu also revealed that Japan have placed greater emphasis on preparing for every possible scenario in knockout football, including penalty shootouts, after their painful elimination against Croatia four years ago.

"In the last World Cup in Qatar, we had prepared who would take the shots, but the players ended up deciding on the spot. For this World Cup, we've gone even further with our preparations."

"If it's looking like a penalty shootout, I want the kickers to be ready and the order set."

Despite missing Kubo, the Japan manager believes the collective spirit within his squad has never been stronger.

"All the players will do what they can for the team and contribute. The team is united and that feeling is getting even stronger now."

"Regardless of whether they're playing or not, all of them want to do whatever they can for the team."

Moriyasu also praised the development of Japanese football, pointing to the growing number of players competing abroad as evidence that the national team now belongs among the world's strongest sides.

"I don't think there's any need to change Japan's identity at all. Japan's identity is pretty unique in the world."

"What was lacking wasn't identity, but experience. Now many of our national team players are playing in Europe and sometimes even in South America. They're getting to know what world-class football really means."

Looking ahead to the challenge posed by Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil, Moriyasu spoke with admiration for the Italian coach, describing him as one of the game's outstanding leaders.

"I think he's an amazing coach, and I really respect him. As a player and as a coach, he's achieved some incredible things."

"I believe it's thanks to Coach Ancelotti's outstanding leadership and character that he's been able to keep going. I want to learn from that too, help players grow and lead my team to win."

Moriyasu concluded by reiterating that while Brazil will deservedly begin the match as favourites, Japan are embracing their role as dangerous outsiders with genuine ambition.

"Brazil is always the top favourite to win at any tournament."

"We're kind of like the dark horse, the underdog champions. That's the spot we want to fight from. We respect everyone, but just like what we did last year, we believe we have a real chance to win."

"We're going to give it our all and hopefully make history again."