Brazil v Japan: Back Vini Jr in 6/1 Bet Builder as Samba Boys win in a shootout

Back Brazil to outgun tough Japan side

Click here for Brazil v Japan odds
Monday 29 June, 18:00 kick-off
NRG Stadium, Houston

An intriguing game this one and a tough draw for both sides - Japan are about as good a second-placed side as there is in the entire World Cup, so even though Brazil are odds-on favourites at 4/61.67 this is no forgone conclusion.

For as tough as this is on 4/15.00 shots Japan, it's tough on Brazil too as the Blue Samurai were unbeaten in a tough group and haven't lost for 10 in a row - which inlcludes a 3-2 win over Brazil last October.

Japan are yet to win a World Cup knockout game though in four attempts, and doing so here would be a major upset, but they have organisation and workrate and they're more than decent on the break - sharing a few traits with Morocco who dominated Carlo Ancelotti's side early on in their first group game.

And the legs, or lack of, in Brazil's midfield would be a worry as Morocco overran them so I actually don't see this as a great match-up for the Samba Boys. The draw after 90 minutes at 29/103.90 and this game going to extra-time would not surprise me one bit.

It also wouldn't suprise to see both teams score, in fact it's expected at 9/101.90 with plenty of attacking quality on both sides. I'd even give a serious look at both teams to score twice at 13/27.50.

This has potential to be a great game but ultimately although I really like Japan you just have to side with that extra Brazilian quality to win the day - especially if it becomes a shootout.

Back Vini Jr in 6/17.00 sharp shooters Bet Builder

Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha have scored all of Brazil's goals so far - Vinicius leads the way with four goals and is 7/52.40 anytime goalscorer favourite, while Cunha has three goals and is a 9/43.25 shot to score anytime.

Bruno Gumaraes has three assists so far but is still well priced at 4/15.00 for another assist.

Japan have spread the goals around with Ayase Ueda and Daichi Kamada both scoring twice, but while midfielder Kamada is just 6/17.00 to score again, forward Ueda is seen as a much bigger goal threat at 7/24.50.

There's an interesting OddsBoost on the Sportsbook if you're looking for a way to back Vini Jr, as it's offering 5/23.50 for him to have 2+ shots on target and be fouled 2+ times.

The bet's landed once in three games but it's been there or thereabouts - as he's been fouled twice in two of three and also had two shots on target in the same ratio, so he's been knocking on the door constantly and the big game here should see both of those land.

Japan don't have too many shots but they've been pretty clinical so you'd expect a few - and even Ayase Ueda is a decent Bet Builder price at 4/51.80 for just one shot on target. The caveat being that all three of his shots on target in the World Cup came in the game against Tunisia, but you'd still fancy him here.

Keito Nakamura has the second-most shots in the squad from his attacking wing-back position - he's scored once and hit the target in two of three games so 13/102.30 for him to hit the target against Brazil looks a good shout.

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