Marquinhos reveals Brazil's plan to stop 'dangerous' Japan World Cup threat

Brazil will face the Samurai Blue at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas on Monday with Marquinhos believing the match represents the start of a different competition after the group stage.

The defender reflected on Brazil's previous defeat against Japan in an October friendly, describing it as an important learning experience for the team.

"I think it was a learning experience for all of us. Everything we have gone through in recent years, up to this World Cup, has served as a lesson and a test for us," Marquinhos said.

The experienced centre-back admitted it was difficult watching Brazil from the sidelines during that match but believes the team has developed since then.

"Watching a Brazil match from the outside is always very tough, because you want to be on the pitch helping your teammates. That match, however, taught us a lot," he added.

Marquinhos highlighted Brazil's improvement during the World Cup and said the team was now ready for the pressure of knockout football.

"Since then, we have grown a lot as a team, and we have shown it in the last matches of this World Cup. Today the situation is completely different: we are in the round of 32, and a new competition begins."

The Brazil captain also praised Japan's quality and explained that the team had prepared carefully for the challenge ahead.

"We have analysed Japan in recent days, and we know they are a team of great quality. We have prepared a strategy to try to limit their strengths and make the most of our own qualities."

With the group stage completed and Brazil finishing top of their group, Marquinhos said the focus had now shifted entirely towards survival in the tournament.

"Securing qualification and finishing first was our main goal, but from tomorrow a new tournament begins. In knockout matches, the details will make the difference, and we want to give our best on the pitch to play a great game."