Brazil vs. Japan: Rating Both Sets of Players

Brazil

Julio Cesar: 6—The QPR goalkeeper's most shaky appearance since returning to the side in January. Looked nervous for much of the encounter, but made a couple of decent saves.

Dani Alves: 5—While the Barcelona player was energetic in getting forward all evening, he was sloppy in his crossing and passing when called upon. The argument that he doesn't replicate his club form for Brazil continues.

Thiago Silva: 8—Majestic in his handling of Japan's lively attacking players in the first half, as he showed incredible judgement to step out and intercept balls to break up some promising looking attacks. Justified his status among the world's elite defenders.

David Luiz: 6—Far less composed than his central defensive colleague and looked long with his distribution too often. Has an unnecessary desire to seek contact with his opponents, risking giving away fouls.

Marcelo: 7—The better of Brazil's two full-backs, Marcelo was diligent in his defensive work throughout and made a couple of excellent balls into the strikers—including the ball that led to the opening goal. Will be tested more defensively in coming games.

Luiz Gustavo: 7—While there are still issues to iron out in the Brazil midfield, they are not necessarily faults that can be pinned on Luiz Gustavo. The Bayern anchorman made a series of tackles and interceptions to break up attacks, and often dropped into the defence to help play out from the back.

Paulinho: 6.5—Despite his fine finish to score Brazil's second goal, there are still question marks over Paulinho's role in the side. It was often a chaotic scene at the base of the Brazil midfield, and Paulinho appears inhibited by the lack of freedom in his role. The double pivot will be tested more in later games.

Oscar: 7.5—As usual for Brazil, Chelsea's Oscar was at the centre of most of the side's best attacking play—including setting up Jo for the side's final goal. A couple of lovely crosses from the right flank went sadly unfinished, while his defensive awareness was also noticeable all evening.

Hulk: 6—Luck is just not on the side of Hulk in a Brazil shirt. Had his thunderous drive early in the second half gone in, rather than struck the side netting, he would be heralded. Instead, the attention once more falls on the Zenit forward who is made to look slow in his decision-making by his vibrant colleagues.

Neymar: 8—A beautifully struck goal after just three minutes helped relieve Neymar of all the pressure he has been under in recent weeks, and from then on he looked in the mood to wreak havoc. He was well-marshaled by opposite number Uchida in the end, but looked a real threat every time he touched the ball.

Fred: 6.5—It's difficult to criticise Fred too much, as he is just playing his natural game. However, were there a more mobile option to spearhead the attack, it would surely benefit the Selecao. A nice chest down helped set up Neymar's goal, though, and he forced a good low save out of Kawashima.

Substitutes—Lucas: 6, Hernanes: 6, Jo: 6.5

Japan

Eiji Kawashima: 5—Following a good save from Fred in the first half, the Japanese goalkeeper will feel disappointed with his efforts on Brazil's second goal (by Paulinho).

Atsuto Uchida: 6.5—Right-back for the Samurai Blue, Uchida was handed the job of tracking Neymar on the night and must have been cursing to see the youngster's confidence boosted by an early wonder strike. However, he tracked his man diligently and often frustrated the Santos star.

Yasuyuki Konno: 6—Slightly the better of Japan's two central defenders, Konno showed good awareness to make a couple of crucial interceptions and clearances.

Maya Yoshida: 5.5—Southampton centre-back Yoshida will no doubt be a little disappointed with his performance, despite some excellent interventions. A weak clearing header at the start of the second half directly lead to Paulinho's goal, marring an otherwise good display.

Yuto Nagatomo: 6—Japan's left-back, Inter Milan's Nagatomo was more adventurous than Uchida and showed some quality in attack. However, he would often find himself overrun as Oscar, Hulk and Dani Alves all ventured toward the right flank.

Yasuhito Endo: 5—One of the more disappointing players on the night, the experienced Endo was withdrawn early after an ineffectual display at the heart of the midfield.

Makoto Hasebe: 6—The better of the duo at the base of the Japanese midfield, Hasebe was effective at breaking up Brazilian attacks—even if it earned him a cynical yellow card. 

Shinji Kagawa: 5.5— Not the best evening of the Manchester United star's Japan career, but there were glimpses of the quality he possesses. Like many of his teammates, though, he looked tired and faded after a bright start. 

Hiroshi Kiyotake: 5—The weakest of Japan's attacking unit on the night, the decision to bring Kiyotake into the side failed to pay dividends. Gave the ball away too often and was not able to get into play often enough.

Shinji Okazaki: 5.5—A hard-working display from the forward, often drifting to the right side of the pitch. He rarely saw the ball in attack, however, and was well-marshaled by the Brazil defence.

Keisuke Honda: 5.5—Supposed to be the central cog of the Japanese attack, Honda showed moments of excellence but was largely anonymous. He was tidy in much of what he did do, but again looked tired as the game entered the second half.

Substitutes—Maeda: 6, Hosogai: n/a, Inui: n/a