Samba meets the machine: Brazil vs Japan is the tie of the round

If you watch one match this weekend, watch this one. Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti have quietly become ruthless — Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha either side of a rejuvenated Neymar, with Bruno Guimarães running the show. They beat Scotland 3-0 without getting out of second gear.

Japan are the opposite kind of beautiful: relentless pressing, clever rotations, and a front line — Kubo, Mitoma-types, Ueda — that never stops moving. Hajime Moriyasu’s side don’t fear anyone, and they shouldn’t.

The model makes Brazil clear favourites, and rating-wise that’s fair. But Japan have made a habit of dragging favourites into uncomfortable places. Expect Brazil to win it; don’t expect them to enjoy it.