Japan

2.30

• 
  8

  25

  2.50

  Eiji Kawashima

  Though none of the goals could be directly blamed on him, he was hardly the most authoritative presence in goal.

• 
  8

  25

  2.50

  Maya Yoshida

  Like most of his team, he struggled in general when defending Brazil's flowing movement on the counterattack.

• 
  8

  24

  2.00

  Yasuyuki Konno

  Rather unfortunate to be called for a penalty on Neymar, and it seemed to define his game as he was rather hit or miss at the back. Good tackles were as common as moments of abhorrent positioning.

• 
  26

  33

  1.50

  Yuto Nagatomo Flop of the Match

  Brazil seemed to punish him whenever he got forward, as huge gaps on the left flank were often visible whenever the Selecao attacked. His poor defending on a corner allowed Neymar to get in behind him and effectively end the match as a contest by scoring Brazil’s third goal.

• 
  23

  23

  2.00

  Atsuto Uchida

  Outmatched for pace and quality on multiple occasions by Brazil. Just not a good enough showing.

• 
  9

  26

  2.00

  Hiroshi Kiyotake

  In truth, he had little opportunity to make an impact because he did not see enough of the ball. On the rare moments when he gained possession, he was not able to conjure anything meaningful.

• 
  47

  15

  3.00

  Keisuke Honda

  Some encouraging moments in possession helped his team fashion a few chances in the opposition half. The openings were few and far between though, as Brazil simply had too much in reserve.

• 
  13

  22

  2.50

  Makoto Hasebe

  Apart from a few moments when he attacked the ball intelligently at the edge of the box, the skipper could not inspire his team to much, and was often left second best in the midfield battle.

• 
  19

  19

  2.00

  Yasuhito Endō

  Looked a little heavy legged against the energy of Ramires, and at times, he was left chasing shadows on the counterattack.

• 
  9

  23

  2.00

  Kengo Nakamura

  Run ragged by Brazil and never came close to making a decisive mark on the game. Taken off at half-time after an ineffective showing.

• 
  82

  33

  3.00

  Shinji Kagawa

  The most likely source of inspiration for Japan. Kagawa had no problems with beating his initial man, but at times, he simply had too much to do as Brazil were able to crowd him out. Needed a bit more help from his team-mates today.

Substitutions

• 
  14

  22

  2.50

  Hiroki Sakai

  Never really looked to take the initiative to drive forward on the wing and spark his team. His defending though, was more convincing than Nagatomo on the opposite flank.

• 
  8

  19

  2.00

  Gotoku Sakai

  Looked energetic after coming on at the break, but other than that, his contribution was negligible.

• 
  9

  19

  2.50

  Hajime Hosogai

  A rather forgettable appearance off the bench.

• 
  8

  21

  2.50

  Takashi Inui

  Never saw much of the ball in his spell on the pitch.

Brazil

3.46

• 
  48

  11

  3.00

  Diego Alves

  Made a pair of solid saves in the first half, but otherwise, he was rarely tested.

• 
  57

  18

  3.50

  Adriano

  With nary a thing to worry about defensively, he needed no second invitation to bomb forward with aplomb down the right flank to provide vital support for the attack.

• 
  93

  10

  3.00

  David Luiz

  Strong in the air , but the Chelsea man was never really taken outside of his comfort zone.

• 
  54

  9

  3.00

  Leandro Castán

  Largely untroubled defensively and solid, if a little cautious, going forward.

• 
  71

  9

  3.50

  Thiago Silva

  Never looked like being bested, and thwarted whatever Japan could throw at his box with his typical blend of poise and timing.

• 
  428

  22

  4.00

  Kaká

  His international rebirth continued with another fine showing against Japan. Looked completely at ease on the ball and linked well with the rest of the team. Hit the post in the first half, but scored a well-taken goal late on.

• 
  191

  22

  3.50

  Oscar

  Picked his passes smartly and never looked to hold onto the ball for too long. Another mature showing beyond his years.

• 
  91

  10

  3.50

  Paulinho

  Opened the scoring with an accurately placed drive from outside the box, and always picked his moments to get forward well.

• 
  146

  15

  4.00

  Ramires

  Ramires never stopped running, and broke up a number of Japanese attacks, while having the presence of mind to spark Brazil on the counter at the same time. Saw a goal unfairly disallowed in the second half.

• 
  94

  21

  3.50

  Hulk

  Did not often embark on one of his trademark bulldozing runs, but he showed a more composed side of his game, supplying his team-mates with an array of wonderful passes.

• 
  188

  31

  4.00

  Neymar Top of the Match

  Struck his penalty with complete confidence, and added a second goal shortly after the break with a quick-thinking finish. Looked lively throughout, as his pace on the ball was a particular threat.

Substitutions

• 
  36

  8

  3.00

  Giuliano

  Slotted in seamlessly after coming on from the bench.