ShireHub's read: Brazil are among the strongest title contenders in the tournament. On the other side, Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu arrived in North America with a public goal: win the World Cup. He hasn't stopped saying it. A battle of the stars takes place in Space City as Brazil meet Japan.

Brazil

Group C winners. 3-0 over Haiti, 3-0 over Scotland, one draw with Morocco. Vinicius Junior has scored in every game. Matheus Cunha added three more in two starts. Raphinha is out with a hamstring injury.

Japan

Finished second in a group that had the Netherlands, with a comeback 2-2 draw that included an 88th-minute equaliser. Unbeaten in their last 10 across all competitions. Their concern is Kō Itakura at centre-back, he picked up a knock in the opener and his availability is a question mark.

Before the tournament, wingback Yukinari Sugawara told ESPN: "We came here to win the World Cup, not for fun."

They mean it.

Every major outlet is backing Brazil. Sports Illustrated has it 2-1. The odds sit at Brazil 4/6. The consensus is Brazil advance. Brazil have beaten Japan 11 times in 13 meetings. The one exception was October.

Kickoff: June 30 · 12:00 (Houston) · NRG Stadium, Houston

💬 Do you back Brazil to close it out, or is this the upset of the tournament?

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