Brazil captain Marquinhos has urged his teammates to treat Japan with the utmost respect ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash, warning that the Asian side has the quality to cause an upset.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender said Brazil cannot afford to underestimate Japan, describing them as a disciplined and well-organised team capable of competing with the world’s best.
Marquinhos noted that Japan have made significant progress in recent years and recalled their victory over Brazil in an international friendly last year as evidence of their growing strength.
He stressed that Brazil must remain fully focused and approach the knockout encounter with the intensity of a final if they hope to secure a place in the Round of 16.
Brazil will face Japan in Houston on Monday, with the winner advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
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