Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced several outstanding saves in that match to preserve the Samurai Blue's runner-up finish.
Anthony Elanga's stunning strike for Sweden was only the third goal Japan had conceded in their last 540 minutes of football, highlighting just how solid Moriyasu's side have become defensively.
However, one major obstacle remains.
Japan have never won a men's FIFA World Cup knockout match. They were eliminated in the Round of 16 in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022, while failing to progress beyond the group stage in every other tournament since 1998.
Team News and Prediction
Brazil defeated Scotland without Barcelona winger Raphinha, who picked up a hamstring injury during the win over Haiti in the second group match. The Brazilian international has yet to return to full training.
Although his availability for Monday remains uncertain, Ancelotti is expected to stick with the same starting XI.
If so, Bournemouth teenager Rayan is likely to make his first World Cup knockout-stage start alongside the in-form Vinicius Junior.
The Real Madrid star has now become only the fifth Brazilian player to score in every group-stage match at a World Cup. On each of the previous four occasions—Jairzinho in 1970, Romário in 1994, and Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002—Brazil went on to lift the World Cup trophy.
For Japan, central defender Ko Itakura was forced off in the 39th minute against Sweden with an injury, although the issue is not believed to be serious.
There is greater concern surrounding Takefusa Kubo, who is still unable to train fully due to a knee injury and is considered highly unlikely to feature in the Round of 32.
After opening the scoring against Sweden, Celtic forward Daizen Maeda is expected to retain his place ahead of Junya Ito, while defensive midfielder Kaishu Sano could return to the starting lineup in place of Yukinari Sugawara.
Japan have earned greater respect than ever as one of world football's rising powers, and Brazil are expected to face a far sterner challenge than in any of their previous meetings with the Samurai Blue.
KlikSaja Prediction
Brazil 1-1 Japan (penalties round)
