World Cup Last-32: Brazil, Germany Chase Progress as Netherlands Meet Morocco
The FIFA World Cup knockout phase continues on Monday with tournament favourites Brazil and Germany aiming to secure places in the last 16, while the Netherlands and Morocco prepare for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the round. Five-time world champions Brazil will open the day's action against Japan in Houston as they continue their quest for a record sixth World Cup title. Carlo Ancelotti's side topped their group ahead of Morocco, with Vinicius Junior emerging as one of the tournament's standout performers after scoring four goals in the group stage. Despite Brazil's impressive form, the South Americans are taking nothing for granted. Japan defeated Brazil 3-2 in an international friendly last October, a result Brazil captain Marquinhos described as an important learning experience. Ancelotti said his players are confident but fully aware of the challenges that come with knockout football, including the possibility of extra time and penalties. Japan, who finished second in Group F after beating Tunisia and drawing against both the Netherlands and Sweden, also head into the tie full of belief. The winner will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the round of 16. Elsewhere, four-time champions Germany take on Paraguay at Gillette Stadium near Boston in their first World Cup knockout match since winning the 2014 final. Germany topped their group with victories over Curaçao and Ivory Coast before suffering a final group-stage defeat to Ecuador. Although Germany are not among the leading title favourites, coach Julian Nagelsmann insists his team remains focused on winning every match. Paraguay qualified as one of the best third-placed teams after recovering from an opening defeat to the United States with a win over Turkey and a draw against Australia. The winners will meet either France or Sweden in the next round.
The day's standout fixture sees the Netherlands face Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico. Ranked eighth and seventh in the world respectively, both teams boast experienced squads featuring players from Europe's top leagues. Morocco will rely on stars including Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui and forward Ismael Saibari, who is set to join Bayern Munich after an outstanding season with PSV Eindhoven. Meanwhile, co-hosts Canada became the first team to book a place in the last 16 after defeating South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles. Captain Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send Canada into the knockout stage for the first time. They will now face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the next round.
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