Hosts Brazil vow to fight for success

Brazil’s stars understand the expectations of a demanding public and are approaching the Confederations Cup without a shred of vanity, according to striker Neymar.

The first taster of what the footballing world’s leading nations can expect from the 2014 World Cup arrives tonight as its hosts welcome Japan to the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia.

A poor start to the build-up under returning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was tempered by an impressive 3-0 friendly victory over France – a first triumph over Les Bleus in 21 years – while Japan arrive fresh from sealing their place at next summer’s finals.

Barcelona forward Neymar, who could support Fred in a second-striker role today, assured fans there are healthy nerves in the Selecao camp with no player feeling entitled to success on home turf in either tournament.

He told Brazilian newspaper O Dia: “We are a united group. Anxiety exists, but there is no vanity here.

“We all know what our responsibilities are and we all feel the desire.

“Now, we must continue working hard to achieve our goals – winning both the Confederations Cup and the World Cup.”

The 21-year-old former Santos player is used to spearheading an attack-orientated system but he will gladly accept any request from Scolari to support the midfield.

“Every player has their favourite role but we have a coach too,” Neymar added.

“He asks certain things of us on the field.

“We are trying to build a team and the rapport will arise naturally from that, but I’ve never changed the way I play and that will never happen.”

There is optimism in the Japanese camp too as, despite their failure to beat Brazil in nine previous meetings, manager Alberto Zaccheroni believes the Samurai Blue can start shaking up the accepted world order.

The Italian told BBC Sport: “In Europe where I come from, a lot of people think the world never changes. I don’t.”

Japan can refer to friendly victories over Argentina and France in the last 12 months to support their coach’s argument.

Captain Makoto Hasebe is available to partner Yasuhito Endo in midfield following a one-match suspension but Keisuke Honda should be replaced by Shinji Kagawa.

Fixtures

Group A
Today - Brazil vs Japan - Brasilia 21.00
Tomorrow - Mexico vs Italy - Rio 21.00
June 19 - Brazil vs Mexico - Fortaleza 21.00
June 19 - Italy vs Japan - Recife24.00
June 22 - Italy vs Brazil - Salvador 21.00
Japan vs Mexico - Belo Horizonte 21.00

Group B
Tomorrow - Spain vs Uruguay - Recife 24.00
June 17 - Tahiti vs Nigeria - Belo Horizonte 21.00
June 20 - Spain vs Tahiti - Rio 21.00
June 20 - Nigeria vs Uruguay - Salvador 24.00
June 23 - Nigeria vs Spain - Fortaleza 21.00
June 23 - Uruguay vs Tahiti - Recife 21.00

Semi-Finals
June 261A vs 2B - Belo Horizonte 21.00
June 271B vs 2A - Fortaleza 21.00

Third-Place Play-Off

June 30 SFs losers - Salvador 18.00

The Final
June 30 SFs winners - Rio 24.00

Note: Kick-offs in Malta time.

Neymar (right) says Brazil players are ready to work hard to live up to expectations.