Coach Le Duc Tuan: 'Brazil showed great composure, Germany and Netherlands paid a heavy price'

The opening knockout matches of the 2026 World Cup on June 30 saw two seismic shocks when European powerhouses Germany and the Netherlands bid farewell to the competition following a tense penalty shootout. Conversely, Brazil once again demonstrated their superior quality and nerves of steel as a leading championship candidate.

From a professional standpoint, Mr. Le Duc Tuan, head coach of SHB Da Nang, offered deep insight into the 'Selecao's' calculated comeback against Japan: "The clash between Brazil and Japan was a high-level match with rapid tempo and exceptional technical quality.

Japan proactively set up a highly scientific 5-4-1 defensive block, playing with discipline and waiting for the right moment to apply high pressing. The 'Blue Samurai' reaped the rewards in the first half with a textbook finish from Kaishu Sano to open the scoring. However, they came up against a Brazil side that was too pragmatic and experienced.

Throughout the first half, Carlo Ancelotti's men persistently attacked through the middle with short passes to stretch the opponent's formation. When pushed out wide, they didn't rush to cross but calmly pulled the ball back to the second line for midfielders to surge forward and shoot. This composed style forced Japan to expend a lot of energy chasing the ball.

In the second half, once they detected signs of fatigue and aerial weaknesses among Japan's center-backs, Brazil immediately changed their approach. Coach Ancelotti brought on a formation with four strikers, repeatedly making early crosses from the left flank directly into the space between the opposing center-backs.

This relentless and overwhelming pressure drained Japan's defense, leading to fatal mistakes in the final minutes that Brazil capitalized on to turn the game around."

Alongside praise for the Samba dance, the strategist from the Han River club also pointed out the reasons behind the humiliating defeats of the two European powers: "A common factor in Germany's loss to Paraguay and the Netherlands' defeat to Morocco was their poor finishing ability. After equalizing, Germany created numerous clear-cut chances, but their forwards lacked the cool-headedness to seal the game.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands were even more disappointing, lacking ball control options and the necessary confidence. They were completely passive defensively against Morocco's fast ball circulation.

When they allowed underdog opponents to drag them into a penalty shootout, both Germany and the Netherlands had to accept the cruel risk, and their elimination was entirely deserved."

According to the round of 16 bracket, Brazil will face the winner of the match between Norway and Ivory Coast. Meanwhile, surprise package Morocco will take on host nation Canada, while Paraguay will face a massive challenge from the winner of the France vs. Sweden tie.