Japan completed a superb second-half turnaround to secure their first-ever victory over Brazil in an international friendly in Tokyo yesterday.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil took the lead on 26 minutes when Paulo Henrique fired a powerful strike home after being played through by Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli doubled their lead six minutes later, latching onto a pass from West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá before hitting a low finish.
However, Japan staged a brilliant fightback after the break.
They were level soon after the hour mark thanks to goals from ex-Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino and Keito Nakamura, before Ayase Ueda’s powerful header in the 71st minute clinched victory for the hosts.
Ancelotti became Brazil manager in May, and four points from his first two qualifiers saw them qualify for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
They beat South Korea 5-0 in another friendly on Friday, but could not hold onto their advantage against Japan.
“It was a blackout from everyone in our side in the second half,” captain Casemiro told Brazilian TV Globo after the defeat.
“This is the highest level, and if you fall asleep for an entire half, it can cost you a World Cup, a Copa América, an Olympic medal.
“It’s just unacceptable, and we must learn from it because the World Cup is just a few months ahead of us. We have to take care of the details because they can cost you everything.”
Casemiro is one among several Premier League players in Ancelotti’s side, with Guimarães, Martinelli and Paquetá also starting the match alongside the Manchester United midfielder.
Chelsea winger Estevao, Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha, Newcastle midfielder Joelinton and Tottenham striker Richarlison were among the players to come on for Brazil in the second half.
“Brazil didn’t show the attitude in the second half to stop Japan’s reaction,” said Ancelotti.
“I am very clear about what happened; the team mentally collapsed after the first mistake. This was the team’s biggest mistake.”
Meanwhile, his Japanese counterpart Hajime Moriyasu wanted his players “to celebrate the result” but added, “strong teams will pay us more attention from now on.”
“Beating top teams like Brazil in official competitions requires progress and caution, and I want the players to build on the confidence they have gained from today’s result,” Moriyasu said.
Japan have also already secured their place in the 2026 World Cup, and Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada started the match, with Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka coming on as a second-half substitute.
