Brazil vs Japan: Vinicius Jr. and Matheus Cunha odds deliver excellent value in knockout blockbuster

Brazil’s journey to the World Cup wasn’t exactly smooth, yet they remain unbeaten after three group matches. Morocco snatched a point off them with a 1-1 draw in the opener, before the Selecao found their rhythm.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men won both subsequent fixtures 3-0 against Haiti and Scotland, ultimately topping Group C with seven points on goal difference. Brazil have finished first in every World Cup group since Spain 1982.

Japan are also unbeaten after three games – they drew with Sweden and the Netherlands, either side of a 4-0 demolition of Tunisia. This is only Japan’s fifth knockout tie – they are yet to win an elimination match at the World Cup.

Brazil are favourites to advance, priced at 4/6 (1.66) with Betway. Hajime Moriyasu’s side are the clear underdogs against the record world champions. Japan are 15/4 (4.75) to win, while a Draw in normal time is 14/5 (3.80) – a selection carrying immense value.

The winner of this Houston clash will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the last 16.

Selecao duo ready to dismantle Blue Samurai defence

Brazil struggled offensively against Morocco in their opener, having to salvage a 1-1 draw.

Vinicius Junior came to the Selecao’s rescue with a sublime strike before half-time, after Ismail Saibari had broken the deadlock. That was the first of Vini’s four goals. He then delivered an impressive display (G1, A1) against Haiti, and bagged a first-half brace against Scotland.

In doing so, he became only the fifth Brazilian to score in all three group games of a single World Cup campaign. Despite Neymar’s presence, Vini is Brazil’s main attacking talisman.

In 13 appearances under Ancelotti, he has found the net seven times. Backing Vini to score anytime and extend his three-match scoring run at 7/5 (2.40) offers clear value.

Another reason for Brazil’s upturn in form is Matheus Cunha’s unwavering presence in the front line.

The Manchester United forward scored twice in the 3-0 win over Haiti, with an xG ratio of 0.83. He contested five duels and completed 25 of his 29 passes. Against Scotland, he fired home a close-range effort from Bruno Guimaraes’s slick assist.

Cunha now has three goals from four shots on target – one of the tournament best conversion rates for any attacker.

He is yet to assist at the World Cup. Backing him to break that duck, with a goal or assist anytime, at 1/1 (2.00) is a strong punt offering excellent returns.

A World Cup classic on the cards: Can Japan keep the Samba Boys at bay?

The five-time World Cup winners are not expected to have it all their way. Japan are one of the tournament’s most organised sides, having already stifled the Netherlands in the group stages.

Last year, Moriyasu’s men beat Brazil 3-2 in an international friendly for the first time in 14 meetings. Another upset could be on the cards if they manage to silence Vinicius Jr. and company.

They have their own productive marksmen, with Ayase Ueda leading the line. He scored twice and assisted one in Japan’s only win this edition.

With so much attacking talent on display, landing BTTS – Yes & Over 2.5 total goals at 6/4 (2.50) offers immense value. Both sides are expected to start strongly, so a first-half draw at 13/10 (2.30) also makes solid sense.