Brazil Winger Unaware of "Seleção's" First Knockout Stage Opponent

Brazilian winger Ryan has already made World Cup history with his on-field performance, but on Friday night, the 19-year-old talent found himself unprepared when tasked at a press conference to discuss their next opponent. Brazil will face Japan in the Round of 16 after defeating Scotland 3-0 in their final Group C match, as they aim for their sixth World Cup title. Brazil and Japan, considering the Asian team's history in the sport, have met once before. In 2006, Brazil won 4-1, though Japan was led by one of Brazil's greatest legends, Zico. Their last two encounters were friendlies; last October, Japan won 3-2, after Brazil had previously secured a 2-0 victory in another friendly.

“We know Japan is a very strong team, and we are working hard to give our best and beat them,” Ryan stated at a press conference in New Jersey on Friday. Then came a question from a journalist from Japanese public television: who, in his opinion, was Japan's best player? Ryan paused, shook his head, and replied, “Friend, I don't know who their best player is,” he said with an embarrassed smile. “I'll have to watch the video to tell you.” This review will likely take place in the coming hours, and Brazil has until Monday to fully prepare for the Asian squad.

Ryan, who plays for English Premier League side Bournemouth, got his chance to shine after Barcelona's Raphinha sustained a hamstring injury during the match against Haiti. In that game, he impressed as a substitute, earning him a starting spot against Scotland. He justified coach Carlo Ancelotti's trust, participating in the press that led to the ball being won for the first goal. After assisting Vinicius Junior for the 1-0 lead, he became the youngest player in the Brazilian national team to provide an assist in a World Cup match since Pelé in 1958. He also became the sixth teenager to start for the “Seleção” since Marco Antonio in 1970.

“Coach Carlo Ancelotti talks to us a lot about our responsibilities. He says that marking the opponent's attack starts with us, the forwards. Even if we're tired, it's our responsibility to press. I think I've improved a lot in defensive play. But we also know that from now on, every mistake can be crucial. As I already said, Japan is a very strong team, and that makes us serious and careful in this match,” winger Ryan added. The Brazil-Japan match will be played on June 29th in Houston, and the winner of this clash will face either Norway or Cape Verde in the Round of 16.