Japan face Brazil’s Seleçao in their final match in World Cup Group F in Dortmund, in a game that Japan must win to have any chance of qualifying for the second round.

Japan will also hope that the result in the match against Croatia and Australia goes their way, but even though Brazil have already qualified, and that Brazil head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is starting without many of his first-choice stars, the task is an uphill one for the Japanese.

Brazil have already qualified for the knock-out phase of the World Cup after two consecutive wins and will win the group with just a draw.

Japan coach Zico has made some changes to his strike-force after seeing his side score just one goal in their opening two matches.

Naohiro Takahara and Atsushi Yanagisawa have been rested, in place of Keiji Tamada and Seiichiro Maki who are both starting the match.

Brazil head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has rested some of his star names after they have already qualified for the second round.

Cicinho, Robinho and Juninho Pernambucano all start the match, with Ronaldo maintaining his place in attack.

Seleçao captain Cafu, who holds the record for being the only player that has featured in three consecutive finals in the World Cup, has been rested for the match, with Parreira taking the chance to have some of his youngsters start their first-ever World Cup matches.

(corrected)

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