Carlo Ancelotti rejects mind games as Brazil prepare for World Cup knockout clash with Japan

Carlo Ancelotti says Brazil will focus on football rather than psychological tactics ahead of the World Cup last 32.
Neymar is available to play a bigger role after returning from injury against Scotland.
Brazil face an unbeaten Japan side that has impressed throughout the tournament.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti insists his side will not be drawn into psychological battles ahead of Monday’s World Cup round of 32 clash with Japan, despite comments from the opposition suggesting the five-time world champions are no longer the dominant force they once were.

Brazil qualified for the knockout stage as winners of Group C after drawing 1-1 with Morocco before recording consecutive 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland. Japan also progressed unbeaten, finishing second in Group F after drawing with the Netherlands and Sweden, either side of a convincing 4-0 win over Tunisia.

The two nations now meet in what is expected to be one of the most evenly balanced ties of the last 32.

Japan arrive full of confidence after extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches. Their sequence includes notable victories over England at Wembley Stadium and Brazil in Tokyo.

Ahead of the match, Japan forward Kento Shiogai suggested Brazil are no longer the dominant side they once were, but Ancelotti refused to respond in kind.

“I won’t repeat what others say,” Ancelotti told reporters.

“We’re focused on the match, on the opponent’s qualities, on preparing well to avoid problems.

“That’s what match preparation is about. We’re not doing what they call in England ‘mind games.’ How do you say it in Portuguese? Mind games. We’re not going there.”

Brazil received another boost during their victory over Scotland with the return of Neymar, who made his first appearance for the national team in more than three years.

The Santos forward came off the bench after recovering from a right calf injury that had ruled him out of Brazil’s opening two World Cup matches, as well as pre-tournament friendlies against Panama and Egypt.

Ancelotti said the 34-year-old is now capable of contributing for longer than the 15-minute cameo he managed against Scotland.

“Neymar has progressed very well,” Ancelotti said.

“I think he improved a lot last week. It’s a shame he couldn’t train the whole time he was with us.

“He can play more than 15 minutes. He’s in good shape. But it depends a lot on the game context and how things develop tomorrow.”

Brazil will enter Monday’s contest as favourites, but Japan’s unbeaten record and disciplined performances throughout the tournament suggest Ancelotti’s side face one of their toughest tests so far in the competition.

Victory would send Brazil into the World Cup quarterfinals as they continue their pursuit of a sixth world title, while Japan are aiming to reach the last eight for the first time in their history.

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Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.