Summary Brazil will face Japan in the opening match of the Confederations Cup today (Saturday).
BRASILIA (AP) - Two-time defending champion Brazil faces Japan in the opening match of the Confederations Cup on Saturday, hoping to get off to a good start in the World Cup warm-up tournament and live up to the sky-high expectations of demanding home fans.
It will be the first major competition for Brazil since the return of coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, and a victory in the opener will be crucial to gain the support of home fans who have been criticizing and jeering the national team following a series of poor results.
Brazil hasn t won a significant title since the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa.
