The Japanese team historically faces great challenges against Neymar, who is preparing for the World Cup round of 16 clash against Brazil. The striker is Japan’s biggest tormentor, having found the net nine times in five matches played.

This new meeting, however, takes place in a renewed scenario for the Brazilian team. At 34 years old, after recovering from a calf injury, Neymar shares the central role on the field, as Vinicius Júnior has emerged as a great highlight, adding four goals, one assist and three nominations for best player of the match in the current World Cup.

“Vinicius is currently our most important player. He is going through a spectacular moment, contributing decisively and resolving matches”, declared Neymar at a press conference, shortly after Brazil’s triumph against Scotland.

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Although a leadership change on the field is underway, the duo’s initial moments together reveal significant potential to play alongside each other. Technical reports from FIFA suggest that coach Carlo Ancelotti has identified an effective strategy to take advantage of the distinct qualities of Vinicius and Neymar.

In the approximately 15 minutes he was on the field, the number 10 was in charge of organizing the attacking plays, while Vinicius focused on exploring deep spaces, converting this articulation into goal opportunities, precise finishes and intense pressure on the opponent’s rearguard.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti commented on the player’s physical condition: “Neymar is capable of playing for more than 15 minutes. He is very well. His use will depend greatly on the scenario of the match and his development.”

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How Neymar breaks the opponent’s marking lines and creates plays

In a limited period on the field, Neymar demonstrated high efficiency, completing 12 of 14 passes (86%) and overcoming the defensive lines in five of six attempts (83%). More than 33% of his balls were considered progressive. The athlete also registered four crosses, two progressions with possession and two “step ins”, maneuvers that consist of advancing with the ball between the spaces in the marking lines, destabilizing the opponent’s defensive organization. The player also shot once on goal, forcing goalkeeper Gunn to intervene.

The number 10’s movement in the match highlights this strategic role. Of the 12 occasions on which he sought to offer a passing option, six occurred directly between Scotland’s defensive lines, a clear indication of his ability to link the midfield with the offensive sector.

Neymar’s performance gains even more relevance when compared to that of other starters. He equaled Matheus Cunha in line breaks (five), even though he only played around 20 minutes, in contrast to Cunha’s approximately 70 minutes. His performance also surpassed that of Lucas Paquetá (83% against 74%) and Bruno Guimarães (83% against 60%). This remarkable efficiency in creating spaces with few touches of the ball, requiring just 14 passes for five line breaks (while Cunha used 25, Bruno 45 for nine, and Paquetá 56 for 14), demonstrates that the player, even with reduced time, offers a unique ability to unbalance defenses, granting Ancelotti valuable tactical flexibility.

Vinicius Júnior’s offensive depth and finishing power

While Neymar orchestrated the plays, Vinicius dedicated himself to exploring empty spaces. The number 7 made 52 movements to get the ball, the second highest record on the team, and led the team with 26 runs “behind” the opposing defense, highlighting his crucial role in penetration.

In turn, Neymar found Vinicius on five occasions, surpassing the frequency of passes to any other teammate.

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Vinicius ended the game with a total of eight shots — half of Brazil’s total, which was 16 —, in addition to scoring two goals, forcing four saves from the goalkeeper and leading the team in progressions with the ball, with eight passes. In the phase without possession, the responsibilities were equally different. Vini was involved in 28 indirect pressing actions, 22 approaches to the player with the ball, 14 effective pressures and recovered two possessions. Neymar, still without the ideal pace, registered just one direct pressure, nine indirect ones, one tackle and two recoveries.

The physical numbers confirm the disparity in intensity between the athletes, at least in this aspect: Neymar ran 2,431 meters, performed eight sprints and reached a maximum speed of 26.4 km/h in approximately 20 minutes of play. Vinicius, in turn, covered 10,096 meters, performed 57 sprints, 106 high-speed actions and reached 33.4 km/h. While the number 10 is dedicated to organizing the game, breaking defensive lines and accelerating the construction of plays, the number 7 offers depth, intensity and converts this creation into goals and chances. Neymar now no longer needs to bear the team’s offensive weight alone. The transfer of leadership to Vinicius Júnior is underway, but initial evidence suggests that this transition does not imply an instant replacement. Japan, therefore, will have to face not only an old executioner, but also a new talent on the rise in the Brazilian team.