I still cannot quite decide what to make of this Brazil side.
Before they faced Scotland, I had been saying repeatedly that this was not the Brazil of old, that the magic had faded and they were no longer quite so dazzling.
Perhaps I should try making that argument to the Scotland players after the Selecao handed them such a heavy defeat last week.
That does not mean I am suddenly claiming this is a vintage Brazil team. Far from it. But I will admit they made me rethink things with the quality they showed in their final group match against the Scots.
Vinicius Jr dictated the tempo, Brazil were devastating in transition, and they looked completely secure defensively. It was a hugely complete performance.
It left me wondering whether this Brazil team might be capable of going deeper in the tournament than many expected. There is still enough joga bonito — the Portuguese phrase for playing beautifully — in this squad to hurt opponents.
Tonight, though, brings their toughest examination of the competition so far. And yes, that is said with full awareness that they already met Morocco in the group stage.
Japan are no pushovers, and they are more than capable of taking Brazil right to the limit.
