Brazil defender Marquinhos believes the five-time champions have grown stronger since their defeat to Japan as they prepare for a crucial World Cup last-32 clash in Houston on Monday.
Japan stunned Carlo Ancelotti's side with a 3-2 victory in a friendly last October, their first-ever win over Brazil. They also defeated England 1-0 at Wembley, arriving at the World Cup in North America as one of the tournament's dark horses.
With a place in the last 16 on the line, Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos insisted Brazil have learned valuable lessons from that defeat.
"I think that really was a learning experience for us," said the 32-year-old, who missed the friendly due to injury.
"Everything that we've been through in the last few years brought us to this point, to this present moment, in the World Cup. Every experience has helped us improve."
He added that Brazil have made significant progress since then.
"I think since then, we have grown quite a bit. We have changed a lot as a squad. We've made a lot of adjustments, and over the last few games we've developed as a team."
Marquinhos also praised veteran Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti for bringing stability and tactical discipline to the squad.
Brazil, chasing a record-extending sixth World Cup title, opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco before recording back-to-back 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland.
After a difficult start, Marquinhos said the team had found its rhythm under Ancelotti.
"There's always a lot of pride in representing the national team. At first we weren't clicking, but the adjustments made by our coach changed that."
"He's an intelligent coach who knows how to get the best out of his players," he said, referring to the uncertainty surrounding the team before Ancelotti took charge in May last year.
"Everything has come together. We know we have quality, and we have a great head coach."
Ancelotti, coaching at his first World Cup, remained calm ahead of the knockout encounter.
"We need a strong mind, a strong heart and a clear head," the 67-year-old said.
"We have to be prepared for anything because a lot can happen in a knockout match. I think the team is ready. They're motivated and confident."
The experienced Italian also praised Japan, describing them as "one of the best teams in the world."
While defending champions Argentina and France have impressed during the group stage, Ancelotti believes no clear favourite has emerged yet.
"Some teams performed better than others during the group stage, but I don't think there's a clear favourite at this point," he said.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
