JapanvsBrazil
JPN 1/BRA 2
Things to say
Brazil beat Japan 2-1 at full time at NRG Stadium in the World Cup.
01
opener
Brazil got the job done, 2-1 over Japan. Bit closer than the scoreline, honestly. Japan made them sweat late.
02
key player
Bruno Guimarães ran that midfield. Led 'em in shots and basically dragged Brazil through it.
03
hot take
Japan were the better team for stretches and frankly deserved a draw. Brazil were nowhere near their best.
04
deep cut
Zion Suzuki in the Japan goal made four saves — without him that's a paddling, not a one-goal game.
05
exit
Anyway, Brazil better tighten up before the knockouts or someone's gonna punish 'em.
The recap
Brazil edged Japan 2-1 in Houston, getting the job done without ever hitting top gear. Bruno Guimarães ran the show in midfield and Brazil's passing carried it, with Gabriel Magalhães knocking around a ridiculous 130 accurate passes from the back.
Japan made them sweat late and Zion Suzuki was busy with four saves to keep it respectable, but they couldn't quite find the leveler. A workmanlike win rather than a samba showcase, but three points all the same.