The World Cup round-of-32 clash between Brazil and Japan on Monday was overshadowed by a kit clash that left fans struggling to tell the two sides apart. Brazil wore their iconic yellow shirt, blue shorts and white socks, while Japan opted for a white shirt with black shorts and socks — a combination many viewers found too similar.
“Pointless kit clash,” one fan wrote on social media. Another added: “That kit clash is ridiculous.” A third said: “My eyesight is fine but I’m gonna imagine some people will struggle with this kit clash.” ITV commentator Lee Dixon also picked up on the issue, though some viewers disagreed, with one insisting: “There is no kit clash.”
“Roy Keane criticised Casemiro's display as fans complained of a 'pointless' kit clash in Brazil's World Cup match against Japan.”
The confusion was compounded by the fact that Japan had worn a blue shirt against Sweden — who, like Brazil, play in yellow — during the group stage, with no complaints. That match ended 1-1, enough for Japan to finish second in Group F. Brazil, meanwhile, topped Group C with seven points.
As if the visual chaos wasn’t enough, Brazil midfielder Casemiro came under fire for his first-half performance. Roy Keane ripped into the Manchester United star, and fans demanded he be hooked at half-time. The criticism added to a frustrating evening for the five-time world champions, who are among the favourites for the tournament alongside England, France, Spain and Germany.
For now, though, the main talking point remains the kits. “Stupid decision by FIFA,” one fan fumed. “Japan wore their blue kit against Sweden and there was no colour clash.”