By Adegboyega Adeleye
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says he hopes Neymar will be available for more minutes when the five-time champions face Japan in Monday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash, insisting his side will approach the knockout tie “like it is a final”.
Neymar is continuing his recovery from a calf injury and made his return with a little over 15 minutes in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in their final group game.
Speaking ahead of the last-16 encounter in Houston on Monday, Ancelotti said the forward had made encouraging progress.
“In the last week his progress has been significant,” Ancelotti told reporters. “Unfortunately he could not play longer than 15 minutes before, but he is now doing well enough to play more.”
The Italian also warned that Japan would pose a stern test after beating Brazil 3-2 in an international friendly in Tokyo last October.
“It was a good experience to know that Japan is one of the best teams in the world,” he said. “We have full respect for them and will prepare for the game like it is a final, because to us it is a final.”
Ancelotti said Brazil must be mentally prepared for every possible scenario in a knockout match.
“We need a strong mind and strong hearts. We have to be ready for anything that could take place in a knockout match, such as extra time or penalties.
“The team is ready, motivated and confident. But every match in this competition is very difficult.”
Brazil will play at midday local time for the first time at the tournament, but Ancelotti dismissed concerns over the kick-off time.
“I don’t think there will be a lot to change; this is always the time of day that we train. At the end of the day we are going to play a football match.
“We need to remain focused. We are going to play against a very tough opponent, very well organised, and we need to be clear about what we want to do on the pitch.
“The players will sleep very well. Much better than the head coach, I can tell you.”
The former Real Madrid manager also believes there is still no outright favourite to win the 2026 World Cup.
“It might be that some teams did better than others in the group stage, but I don’t think a clear favourite has come up yet. This should be a very hard-fought and balanced tournament,” he said.
