Japan/Brazil 
My Pick: Brazil
Technically dead for 11 Brazilians and a most important game for one Brazilian. That's how one could describe the game between Brazil and Japan in Dortmund on Thursday. For Japan's Brazilian coach, the legendary Zico, the game is a do or die for his lads. Brazil on the other hand are as good as assured first place and will have little to worry about.
Brazil were not that impressive in the first two games. They did not display the form and skills they are known for. But yet their supposed to be weak defence kept two clean sheets against Croatia and Australia. Kaka, Adriano and Fred have netted a goal each. The fans will be eagerly waiting for Ronaldo and Ronaldinho to be added on that list. Many questions have been raised whether Ronaldo deserves a first team spot and the Real Madrid striker will be keen to answer those questions by netting in a few against the Japanese. If veteran right back Cafu does play, he will add the record for most WC appearances by a Brazilian, a record he currently shares with Dunga and Claudio Taffarel. Emerson, Cafu, Ronaldo and Robinho are on yellows though and Carlos Parriera will be tempted to rest them so that they can avoid suspension.
The Japanese are currently last in Group F and chances of them qualifying are remote. Even if they win by a decent margin and the game between the Aussies and the Croatians ends in a draw, it would come to goal difference. The Japanese lost to Australia thanks to three late goals and drew goalless against Croatia thanks to a penalty save by former Pompey goal keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.
Takahara, Moniwa, Kawaguchi and Santos are on yellows while their captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto is suspended.
My verdict:
I do not think the Japanese are capable of slotting atleast 2 or more past Brazil. A second string Brazilian side if chosen by Parreira, can do the job comfortably. I expect
Brazil to win or at the most draw but can't foresee a loss for them.
