Brazil's perfect Asian record faces stern test from Japan

Five-time world champions Brazil will look to maintain their flawless FIFA World Cup record against Asian opponents when they face Japan in the Round of 16 on Monday at Houston. Kick-off is scheduled for 11:00pm (Bangladesh time).

Brazil have won all four of their previous World Cup meetings with Asian nations and now have the opportunity to extend that perfect record to five consecutive victories. Standing in their way is an ambitious Japanese side seeking another memorable World Cup upset.

Carlo Ancelotti's men recovered strongly after opening their Group C campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, recording back-to-back 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland to finish top of the group and secure a place in the knockout stage.

Japan, meanwhile, progressed as Group F runners-up after drawing with the Netherlands and Sweden before producing an emphatic 4-0 victory over Tunisia to seal qualification for the Round of 16.

Ancelotti has retained the same starting XI that comfortably defeated Scotland, showing faith in the side's impressive performance. Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu, however, has made four changes to the team that faced Sweden.

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Shogo Taniguchi return to strengthen the defence, while Kaishu Sano comes into midfield. Junya Ito has been recalled to the attack, and Ritsu Doan starts in an advanced right wing-back role.

Starting XIs
Brazil (4-3-3): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior.

Japan (3-4-2-1): Zion Suzuki; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito; Ritsu Doan, Kaishu Sano, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura; Junya Ito, Daizen Maeda; Ayase Ueda.