Carlo Ancelotti outlines Brazil’s knockout mantra (Image: X)

Five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil booked their place in the Round of 32 as Group winners with seven points and will now face Japan in Houston. Ahead of the knockout clash, head coach Carlo Ancelotti stressed that his side must rely on “mind, heart, and a clear idea” to keep their World Cup campaign alive.Brazil endured a slow start to the tournament, being held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their opening match. However, the Seleção bounced back impressively with consecutive 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland. The seven-point haul, coupled with a goal difference of +6, ensured Brazil finished top of their group for the 12th consecutive FIFA World Cup, a streak dating back to the 1982 edition.Japan also progressed to the Round of 32 unbeaten. They opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, thrashed Tunisia 4-0, and secured qualification after a 1-1 draw with Sweden.With both teams entering the knockout stage unbeaten, Ancelotti expects a demanding contest and believes Brazil must be mentally and emotionally prepared for every possible scenario.“We need many things: our minds and our hearts,” Ancelotti told reporters in the pre match press conference. “We have to be prepared for everything that can happen in a knockout game because many things can happen, extra time, penalties. We’ve prepared for every scenario. I think the team is ready. It’s motivated and confident. We played well in our last two matches, so we’re prepared for whatever tomorrow brings,” he added. The Italian manager also reminded his players that there is no room for error from this stage onward.“It’s not a knockout with two legs. It’s just one match,” Ancelotti said.“There’s no way back. Brazil has intelligent players who understand that. We’re a strong team that knows how to prepare for these kinds of games, and I’m confident we can rise to the challenge,” Ancelotti’s said with confidence. Brazil and Japan last met in a friendly last October, when the Asian side recovered from two goals down to win 3-2 in Tokyo.