England’s path to the World Cup finals now somewhat clearer after an absolutely thrilling match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil were given a complete scare by Japan at the World Cup. (Image: (Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images))
Brazil came from behind to win in stoppage time and shocked the Japanese, making England’s path to the World Cup finals one step clearer. The Three Lions looked set to receive a huge boost as Japan took the lead in the first half and Canarinho was in danger of being forced out of the competition.
Kaishu Sano’s goal in the first half gave the underdogs the lead just before the 30th minute, just minutes after the much-criticized hydration break. The Mainz midfielder fired a low, precise finish from outside the area into the bottom corner of the goal, surprising Brazil who had been given the ball cheaply on the halfway line.
However, Brazil hit back with just over 10 minutes left in the second half when former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro received a wicked cross from Gabriel and headed a shot at the far post. Bruno Guimarães set up Gabriel Martinelli deep in stoppage time and scored at the death.
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If the Three Lions defeat the winner of Ivory Coast vs. Norway in the last 16, they could face Brazil in the quarter-finals in Miami.
Thomas Tuchel’s side advanced from Group L with wins over Croatia and Panama and a draw with Ghana and will face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta in the first match of the knockout stages on Wednesday, July 1.
If England win against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they will face either Mexico or Ecuador in the last 16 in Mexico City on July 6, which could prove difficult given the altitude.
Kaishu Sano celebrates scoring against Brazil, but it wasn’t for the weak (Image: (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images))
After Japan’s loss, the Three Lions will face either Brazil, Norway or Ivory Coast on July 11 in Miami.
If England defeat Brazil, Norway or Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals, it will likely be Argentina who await them in the semi-finals on July 15, barring a major upset in the same bracket.
Lionel Messi and Co. face Cape Verde in the round of 32, before a draw with the winner of Australia and Egypt awaits in the last 16.
The reigning world champions will face Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia or Ghana in the quarter-finals. The final game will be held on July 19th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
In the end, Brazil turned out to be too strong.
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England know they may need a penalty shootout in the finals and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is ready for what lies ahead.
“It’s exciting right now, isn’t it?” he said when asked about the upcoming knockout stage. “This is the right phase of football, one game at a time.
“We have players who have won the Champions League and players who have represented England in youth tournaments. We all know the pressure of that and I think that’s where you’ll see us improve.”
“We have goals. Take it one step at a time, work on the training pitch, keep that fun, keep that fun environment. But once you start training, you do the work and you buy into the message. That’s really the glue for me.”
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