Kiwi Pick: 🇧🇷Brazil 2–1 Japan🇯🇵 Five-star Brazil against a disciplined Japan. Brazil’s firepower is stacked — Vinícius Júnior has scored in every game and already has five goal involvements this tournament, while Matheus Cunha has three goals in two matches. Raphinha is out with a hamstring issue, but 19-year-old Rayan Vitor Simplicio Rocha steps in, and Neymar is still waiting on the bench. The depth advantage is massive. Japan are the real dark horse. They beat Brazil 3–2 in a friendly last year (though Brazil rotated heavily at the back), and they’re unbeaten in their last 10 with only seven goals conceded. Their 3-4-2-1 low block and counterattacking setup can frustrate anyone. But this time, Takefusa Kubo is out with a knee injury, and captain Ko Itakura is doubtful — a big hit to their creativity and defensive stability. Knockout football is about margins. Japan can stay in it and probably nick one, but Brazil’s quality should make the difference. Backing Brazil. Japan can hang with anyone — but Vinícius Júnior punishes the one mistake you can’t afford.