Japan completed a sensational comeback to defeat Brazil 3-2 in an international friendly at the National Stadium in Tokyo, marking their first-ever win over the five-time World Cup champions.

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Brazil Take Early Control

Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, took the lead in the 26th minute when Paulo Henrique fired a powerful strike past Japan’s goalkeeper, assisted by Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes. Just six minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli doubled the advantage, slotting in a low finish from a pass by West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta.

At that stage, it appeared Brazil were in complete control, having already thrashed South Korea 5-0 in a previous friendly.

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Japan’s Second-Half Revival

Japan turned the game around after the break with goals from Takumi Minamino and Keito Nakamura soon after the hour mark. The winning strike came in the 71st minute when Ayase Ueda powered a header home, completing a remarkable second-half comeback.

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Reactions from the Teams

Brazil captain Casemiro admitted the team collapsed mentally:

“It was a blackout from everyone in our side in the second half. 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.”

Ancelotti added:

“The team mentally collapsed after the first mistake. This was the team’s biggest mistake.”

Brazil featured several Premier League stars, including Guimaraes, Martinelli, Paqueta, Casemiro, and substitutes Estevao (Chelsea), Matheus Cunha (Man Utd), Joelinton (Newcastle), and Richarlison (Tottenham).

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu praised his players’ effort while urging caution:

“Beating top teams like Brazil in official competitions requires progress and caution. I want the players to build on the confidence they have got from today’s result.”

Japanese Premier League-based players included Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada, who started, and Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka, who came on in the second half.

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Key Takeaways

• Japan completed their first-ever victory over Brazil in a friendly.
• Japan scored three second-half goals to overturn a 2-0 deficit.
• Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti cited a mental collapse as the key factor.
• Both nations are already qualified for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.