Rayan's Japan homework awaits as Brazil eye World Cup last-32 win

BASKING RIDGE, New Jersey, June 26 : Brazil winger Rayan has already made World Cup history with his feet, but on Friday the 19-year-old discovered that tournament football also comes with homework, especially when the next test is Japan.

The five-times champions face the Asian side in the round of 32 in Houston on Monday, chasing a sixth World Cup title after finishing top of Group C with a 3-0 win over Scotland at Miami Stadium.

The teams have met once before at a World Cup, in 2006, when Brazil beat a Japan side managed by Brazilian great Zico 4-1.

More recently, Japan offered a sharper warning, beating Brazil 3-2 in a friendly last October after the South Americans had taken a 2-0 lead.

"We know that Japan are a very strong side and we're working hard to give our best and beat them," Rayan told a press conference in New Jersey on Friday.

Then came a question from a journalist from Japanese public television: who did he think was Japan's best player?

Rayan was honest in his response.

"Mate, I don't know who their best player is," he said with an embarrassed smile. "I'd have to watch the video to be able to tell you."

That video session may now come with extra attention and there will be plenty of time for that before Monday.

Rayan, who plays for Bournemouth, earned his place in the starting lineup after Barcelona forward Raphinha picked up a hamstring injury in the first half against Haiti.

The youngster came on, impressed, then started against Scotland, where his pressing helped set up Brazil's opening goal.

He stole the ball from a Scottish defender before teeing up Vinicius Jr after seven minutes, becoming the youngest player in the Brazilian national team to provide an assist in a World Cup match since Pele in 1958.

Rayan