Brazil, Germany Seek Progress as Morocco Clash With Netherlands in World Cup Knockouts

Brazil and Germany will aim to secure places in the World Cup last 16 on Monday, while Morocco’s showdown with the Netherlands is shaping up as one of the standout matches of the knockout round.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil side, chasing a sixth World Cup crown and a first since 2002, face Japan in Houston after finishing top of their group ahead of Morocco.

Vinicius Junior has been central to Brazil’s strong campaign so far, scoring four goals during the group stage.

Despite Brazil’s status as favourites, Ancelotti warned against underestimating Japan.

“We need to play with our heads and hearts, and be clear about what we want to do,” he said.

“We need to be ready for everything that can happen in a knockout tie.”

Brazil captain Marquinhos also recalled the team’s 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan last year, describing it as “a learning experience.”

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed confidence ahead of the match after his side advanced from Group F behind the Netherlands.

“The team is united and that feeling is getting even stronger now,” Moriyasu said.

The winner will play Ivory Coast or Norway in the next round.

Germany, meanwhile, meet Paraguay near Boston in their first World Cup knockout fixture since lifting the trophy in 2014.

Julian Nagelsmann’s men topped their group with victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast before losing to Ecuador.

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

Paraguay qualified as one of the best third-placed teams after recovering from an opening defeat to the United States.

In Monterrey, Morocco and the Netherlands will meet in what many consider the most evenly balanced tie of the round.

Morocco’s squad includes Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui and Ismael Saibari, who is set to join Bayern Munich after impressing with PSV Eindhoven.

The knockout phase opened on Sunday with Canada defeating South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles to reach the last 16 for the first time.

Stephen Eustaquio struck the winner deep into stoppage time.

“The timing of the goal means that the win is incredibly dramatic,” Canada coach Jesse Marsch said after the match.

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