In spite of being under scrutiny for its shaky defense in recent games and the flat showing of Luiz Felipe Scolari, Brazil looks to be ready to strike in Saturday's Confederations Cup Match against Japan. Japan must be ready to put up a fight if it hopes to walk away with points from the match. Brazil has just emerged from an astounding victory against France in a friendly match, where it shut out their opposition, 3-0, the team's first victory against France in 21 years, Soccerway reported. Japan could be facing an uphill battle throughout the Confederation Cup as it will be pitted against formidable adversaries such as Italy and Mexico. Brazil anticipates keeping its momentum going, ready to tear through opposing defenses in spite of the failings of its own.
When and Where to Watch Brazil vs. Japan
Brazil and Japan will be facing off in their kick off Confederation Cup Match Saturday, July 15. The match is set to start at 3 p.m. EST. Fans may tune in to ESPN network for television coverage as well as a pre-game show.
A livestream will be available via ESPN3.com starting at 3 p.m.
Team Preview - Brazil
Brazil enters the Confederation Cup with an attack-heavy team, looking to fully utilize Neymar, Hulk and Oscar against Japan's fairly weak squad, which lacks the starpower of Brazil. The team, however, will back lacking Leandro Damiao, typically a powerhouse for Brazil, due to a right thigh injury.
Brazil has a long history of Confederation Cup victories, with the team taking the title in 2009 and 2005. The team has home turf advantage and is expected to pull a win for the opening game in front of a home crowd. The three-time champions and home team is the favorite this year.
Team Preview - Japan
While not as tough as Brazil, Japan is entering the competition with a victory under its belt against Iraq in its final World Cup Qualifier match. Japan bested Iraq, 1-0. The team exited Group B with 17 points over the course of eight games. What Japan lacks in starpower it makes up for in creative players, such as Shinji Kagawa, who wowed fans in his debut with Manchester United, winning the Premier League to boot.
Yuto Nagatomo, Inter-Milan full back, is expected to be a powerful adversary against Brazil, though the best chance the team has to score is the duo Keisuke Honda and Shinji Okazaki. Honda and Nagatomo have been missing from recent Samurai Blue matches, but appear prepared to aptly represent their country's prowess tomorrow.
Wrap-up
Brazil is likely to go on the attack and put Japan under pressure. Japan has just ended its three-game draw streak, but the success Brazil found in its match against France could be telling about its showing during the Confederation Cup. Still, home field advantage will give Brazil extra power in its already powerful lineup. Both teams, however, have an some impressive victories under their belts before starting the competition, with Japan winning the Asian Cup and Brazil dominating its FIFA World Cup qualification group.
Overall, Brazil is the more dominating force, and a victory should arrive easily to them.
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