Former Cerezo Osaka coach Levir Culpi has warned Brazil not to underestimate Japan on Tuesday and, in particular, Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa.
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Culpi, who has six years experience of coaching in Japan, managed Kagawa before the young playmaker left to join Borussia Dortmund in 2010.
“The experience of Brazil may tell,” he told Terra. “But Japan have the ability to cause a surprise, as they did against France in their last game.
“Their style is to play quick football, with a good tactical discipline.”
Culpi then warned the Seleção of Kagawa’s qualities, adding: “Kagawa has above average physical strength and can control the ball easily with either foot.”
The Brazilian coach pointed to Japan’s excellent youth development model for their recent development and believes that Brazil, too, could benefit from better organisation.
“Their first and second devision are much better organised than in Brazil,” he finished. “The youth levels also have qualified professionals who develop the players and have requirements for attendance at school.”
