Even samba football trembles... "Last year's nightmare could happen again": Brazilian media warns, key player Kamada under 'blockade order'

*This content was translated by AI.

Even Brazil, the "most successful World Cup nation," is on high alert against Japan.

On the 26th (Korea time), Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden in the final Group F match of the tournament's group stage held at the Dallas Stadium in the United States. Finishing the group stage with one win and two draws (five points), Japan secured a spot in the Round of 32 as the second-place team in the group, behind the Netherlands, which had two wins and one draw (seven points).

Although Japan advanced through the group stage undefeated, it will face the powerhouse Brazil starting from the Round of 32. Japan previously came from behind to defeat Brazil 3-2 in a friendly match in October last year after trailing 0-2.

Brazil is also in a tense mood regarding Japan. Brazil's "Globo" reported on the 26th that "the first-ever defeat against Japan in a friendly match last October is the biggest source of anxiety" and added that "complacency is absolutely forbidden."

The reaction of Zico, a Brazilian legend who led the Japanese national team from 2002 to 2006, also became a hot topic. Brazil's "Lance" reported that "Zico anxiously watched the results while the Japan vs. Sweden match was underway." When the Round of 16 showdown was confirmed, Zico held back his words, saying, "Let's see how it unfolds."

Lance also revisited Zico's pre-tournament remarks. Zico had previously stated, "There are no more upsets in modern football. The skills are evenly matched, and anything can happen." He added, "Japan plays an aggressive and competitive style of football to win. It is regrettable that Brazil will stand in their way, but Japan will surely have an excellent World Cup, as it always does."

Sports specialist ESPN gave significant coverage to an article analyzing Japan's team strength. The media introduced goalkeeper Suzuki Saito's statement, "Our only goal is to win the championship," and commented that "Japan's confidence in being able to compete equally with any opponent is evident."

Brazil identified midfielder Kamada Daichi as the player it must guard most closely, analyzing that "Kamada is Japan's greatest threat. How to contain him will be the key to victory or defeat."

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*This content was translated by AI.