Brazil will face Japan today in the World Cup knockout stage at Houston’s NRG Stadium, with major attention on whether Neymar will start. Coach Carlo Ancelotti and media reports suggest the forward, returning from a calf injury, is unlikely to be in the starting lineup. Instead, Ancelotti plans to retain almost the same eleven that defeated Scotland 3–0 in the group stage.
Neymar missed Brazil’s opening matches against Morocco and Haiti due to injury but played the final 15 minutes against Scotland as a substitute. Ancelotti said Neymar’s condition has improved and he could play longer against Japan, though he gave no assurance of a starting role. Local and European analysts believe the coach will avoid risks, keeping Neymar on the bench until he is fully match-fit.
Brazil are expected to play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with young forward Rayan likely replacing the still-injured Raphinha. Ancelotti emphasized that Japan cannot be underestimated, recalling a 3–2 loss to them in a friendly last year, and said his team is ready for extra time or penalties if needed.
স্পোর্টস ডেস্ক প্রকাশ : ২৯ জুন ২০২৬, ১১: ৫৩ বিশ্বকাপের নকআউট পর্বে আজ জাপানের মুখোমুখি হবে পাঁচবারের বিশ্বচ্যাম্পিয়ন ব্রাজিল। হিউস্টনের এনআরজি স্টেডিয়ামের এই লড়াইয়ের আগে সবচেয়ে বড় প্রশ্ন—চোট কাটিয়ে ফেরা নেইমার কি শুরু থেকেই একাদশে থাকবেন?ব্রাজিল কোচ
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