Monday, June 29 at Houston’s NRG Stadium brings a Round of 32 matchup that feels bigger than its bracket slot: Brazil vs Japan, a meeting framed by contrast—Brazil’s individual brilliance and game-breaking talent under Carlo Ancelotti against Japan’s disciplined, transition-first structure under Hajime Moriyasu.On paper, Brazil’s pedigree and attacking options make them the favorite. In practice, Japan’s compact central block and rapid vertical attacks are b (football coverage) [...]
