Japan appears poised to eliminate Brazil from the World Cup round of 16 in Houston after a run of disciplined, collective performances led by Daichi Kamada and Ayase Ueda.Brazil fields Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Magalhães and Raphinha but injuries and tactical questions have left the Seleção less certain, while Japan cites a prior 3-2 friendly win and long-term progress since a 4-1 World Cup loss.A
Japan victory would end its streak of first-round knockout exits and set up a last-eight path against the winner of Ivory Coast and Norway, testing whether European-based players can deliver a historic breakthrough.