TOKYO: Japan believe they can shock Brazil in the World Cup round of 32, and former coach Philippe Troussier thinks it would be a fitting reward for their progress as a football nation. Frenchman Troussier led Japan when they co-hosted the World Cup with South Korea in 2002 and took them to the last 16 in only their second tournament appearance. Japan have not missed a World Cup since, and they have openly talked about winning this year’s competition in North America, where they face Brazil in Houston on Monday.

Hajime Moriyasu also says that making the last 32 at the tournament is good for Asia and ‘proof in the growth of Japanese football’.

Japan believe they can shock Brazil in the World Cup round of 32, and former coach Philippe Troussier thinks it would be a fitting reward for their progress as a football nation.…