Raphinha out for Japan, Rayan steps into the spotlight

Group C locked up, Japan next

Brazil beat Scotland 3–0 on Wednesday to seal top spot in Group C (2). Your team goes into the round of 32 against Japan on Monday. That is now the only match that matters.

No Raphinha for the knockout opener

Raphinha is out. He has not recovered from a physical problem and will miss the Japan match (4). Ancelotti had already been testing Luiz Henrique and Rayan as replacements in training. One of them gets the shirt.

Rayan: 'I don't know their most dangerous player'

Rayan was honest at the press conference on Friday. Asked who Japan's biggest threat is, the forward laughed and said he does not know, he has only seen video, but called Japan a strong, well-drilled side (3).

Brazil send letter to FIFA over Vinícius goal

The CBF has formally written to FIFA contesting the disallowed Vinícius goal from the group stage (5). No further details yet on what response they expect.

Felipe Melo: 'Evolve or go home'

Felipe Melo did not hold back. "If this team does not evolve a lot, it will not get past Japan," the former midfielder said. His point: Bruno Guimarães and Paquetá have different profiles, and Ancelotti needs a system that gets the best from each of them, the way Kroos and Valverde worked together at Real Madrid (9).

Ederson to Manchester United taking shape

Atalanta midfielder Ederson, currently with the Brazil squad, is set to become Michael Carrick's first signing at Manchester United. The fee: £35 million (11).

R$21 million bonus already in the bank

The squad locked in a R$21 million bonus just by reaching the round of 32 (10). Now they play for more.

Fan reactions

Brazil fans are buzzing about one stat in particular: Vinícius Junior has scored more goals for the national team in his last 13 matches under Ancelotti than in the 39 before the Italian took over. The turnaround under the new coach is what supporters are clinging to ahead of Monday. See the full thread