Neymar fit and Marquinhos fires back ahead of Japan knockout

Brazil face Japan in the round of 32 Monday

Knockout football arrives. Brazil play Japan in the World Cup round of 32 on Monday (3) (4) (5) (6) (7). Ancelotti put it bluntly: "No es un mata-mata, es un mata y no hay vuelta atrás", it's not a two-leg tie, it's kill or nothing (5). The winner moves on. The loser goes home. Neymar is available after a calf issue, and his return shifts everything (5) (7).

Ancelotti: no clear favourite has emerged

Carlo Ancelotti does not see a standout team at this World Cup. "Sigo convencido de que até agora não há um favorito claro," he said. "Pode ser que alguns times podem ter jogado melhor do que outros, mas um favorito claro não vejo. Acredito que será um Mundial muito equilibrado" (1) (3). Every match is hard, he added. Pressure is everywhere (1).

Ancelotti laughs off lineup questions

Who starts against Japan? Ancelotti is not telling. Asked on Sunday about the mystery, he joked: "Ia dormir bem. Quem vai jogar, sabe que vai jogar. Quem não vai, não sabe", the player sleeps very well (4). Luiz Henrique and Rayan have been tested as potential replacements for the injured Raphinha (4).

Marquinhos fires back at Japan's Shiogai

Your captain heard the noise. Japan's Kento Shiogai made a comment that reached the Brazil camp, and Marquinhos did not let it slide. "Acho que foi um pouco de soberba da parte deles," he said. "O Brasil continua sendo uma grande seleção e basta a gente mostrar nossa força amanhã. Que continuem falando bastante para motivar a gente" (6). Translation: let them keep talking.

Ronaldo: Neymar can silence everyone

Ronaldo Nazario went all-in on Neymar. "Neymar is decisive. I don't see another player in the current squad with the same ability as him to win a match," the Brazil legend said. "He was cleared by doctors, is physically fit and now has the chance to shut the mouths of all those who did not believe in him" (7). Martinelli has said Neymar is training at a high level (7).

Brazil top the all-time World Cup scoring chart

244 goals. That is where Brazil stand after the group stage, ahead of Germany on 242 (2). The two nations have been trading the top spot, but your team reclaimed it and mean to keep it.

Fan reactions

The mood online is already looking past Japan. A friendly double-header against Australia was confirmed for September in Townsville and Brisbane, and fans are treating it like a victory lap. One thread on r/soccer is already buzzing about the Socceroos facing the five-time champions on home soil. Read the discussion here.