But Brazil will be aware of the result between the two sides when they last met at an Olympics. A Brazil team featuring the likes of Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, Ze Elias and Ronaldo crashed 1-0 against Japan during the Atlanta Games in 1996. Japan, the only Asian team to win a football medal at an Olympic Games, when they took bronze in 1968, only need a point from Wednesday's match to be certain of progressing to the next round. They will look to AS Roma playmaker Hidetoshi Nakata to provide the inspiration, following the two-time Asian Footballer of the Year's displays against Slovakia and the South Africans. Although Brazil will be favourites to defeat the Japanese, South Africa coach Ephraim Mashaba believes the off-colour football giants could be in for a rough ride.
Japan is a very strong and physical side and Brazil is in for a tough game.
Japan has won 17 games and scored 84 goals in the build-up to the Olympics, which it is using for part of its preparations for next month's Asian Cup in Lebanon. The Japanese will be lifted by a large travelling army of their fans, otherwise known as the Ultra Nippon. Japan's Olympic Committee has booked more than 5,000 seats for its supporters. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.