Young Rayan, Brazil take aim at Japan in World Cup clash

Young Rayan, Brazil take aim at Japan in World Cup clash as Brazil prepares to face Japan in the round of 32 on Monday afternoon in Houston. Rayan, a 19-year-old forward, was not on Brazil’s roster for the friendly in Tokyo last October that ended with Japan winning 3-2 after leading by two at halftime. Asked about Japan’s best player, he said he does not know who it is and would need to watch video, while emphasizing Japan’s strength and Brazil’s need to work to beat them. Japan advanced from Group F by finishing second behind the Netherlands, with a win over Tunisia and two draws. Brazil won Group C with 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland, with Vinicius Junior (four) and Matheus Cunha (three) accounting for all goals so far, while Neymar returned for the final 15 minutes against Scotland.