Japan Coach Moriyasu sends bold message ahead of Brazil clash

Japan are refusing to be overawed by five-time world champions Brazil ahead of their blockbuster FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash, with head coach Hajime Moriyasu insisting his side has every reason to believe they can pull off another upset.

Japan secured second place in Group F after a 1-1 draw with Sweden on Friday, setting up a knockout meeting with Group C winners Brazil on June 29 in Houston.

Moriyasu said his team would take confidence from last October's 3-2 friendly victory over Brazil in Tokyo, a result that stunned the football world.

"We showed in our last meeting that we are not a team that gives up easily," Moriyasu said. "Brazil are one of the best teams in the world and we have great respect for them. But once the match starts, anything can happen. I believe we have every chance of winning."

Japan missed out on topping the group after conceding an equaliser six minutes after Daizen Maeda's opener against Sweden. Despite the setback, Moriyasu said he was satisfied with his team's progress.

"Our primary objective was to reach the knockout stage, and we have achieved that," he said. "This is another important step forward for Japanese football, and now we want to keep pushing."