Brazil, Germany target World Cup last-16 spots as Netherlands face Morocco

Brazil begin their FIFA World Cup knockout campaign on Monday as they face Japan in the Round of 32, while Germany take on Paraguay and the Netherlands meet Morocco in one of the standout fixtures of the round.

 

Five-time champions Brazil, chasing a record sixth World Cup title and their first since 2002, topped their group ahead of Morocco, with Vinicius Junior scoring four goals in the group stage.

 

Despite being favourites, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti warned against underestimating Japan.

 

“We need to play with our heads and hearts and be ready for everything that can happen in a knockout tie,” Ancelotti said.

 

Brazil captain Marquinhos also recalled his side’s 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan last October, describing it as a valuable learning experience.

 

Japan, who finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands, enter the match full of confidence after drawing with the Dutch and Sweden and defeating Tunisia.

 

The winner will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16.

 

Elsewhere, four-time world champions Germany will meet Paraguay near Boston in their first World Cup knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2014.

 

Germany topped their group with victories over Curaçao and Ivory Coast before a defeat to Ecuador, while Paraguay reached the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.

 

Coach Julian Nagelsmann said his team remains focused on winning every match.

 

“When you talk about the German national team, it is all about trying to win every game,” he said.

 

The winner will face either France or Sweden in the next round.

 

In another headline fixture, the Netherlands will face Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico, in what is widely regarded as the most evenly matched tie of the Round of 32.

 

The Dutch are ranked eighth in the world, while Morocco sit seventh, with both teams boasting squads filled with players from Europe’s top leagues.

 

Meanwhile, co-hosts Canada secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday to reach the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time.

 

Captain Stephen Eustáquio scored the winning goal in stoppage time, sending Canada into the next round, where they will face either the Netherlands or Morocco.