The Brazilian national team was defeated by Japan 3-2 in a friendly match for the Copa Kirin, this Tuesday, at the Tokyo National Stadium. Despite taking the lead with goals from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli in the first half, Brazil suffered a comeback in the second half with goals from Minamino, Nakamura, and Ueda. The match marked Japan’s first victory over Brazil in direct encounters. The result exposed defensive flaws and difficulties for Carlo Ancelotti’s team in maintaining the lead.
Brazil dominated the first half, opening the score at 25 minutes with Paulo Henrique, after a pass from Bruno Guimarães. Six minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli extended the lead with an assist from Lucas Paquetá. Japan, however, reacted in the second half, capitalizing on Brazilian defensive errors. The host team equalized and took the lead in under 20 minutes, surprising the crowd in attendance.
- Brazilian goals: Paulo Henrique (25’ 1H) and Gabriel Martinelli (31’ 1H).
- Japanese goals: Minamino (6’ 2H), Nakamura (16’ 2H, own goal by Fabrício Bruno), and Ueda (25’ 2H).
- Brazilian substitutions: Rodrygo, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, Estêvão, Caio Henrique, and Richarlison entered.
- Japanese highlight: Ueda, with one goal and a shot off the crossbar.
Defensive performance raises concerns
Brazil’s defense showed critical flaws in the second half. Fabrício Bruno, responsible for an own goal, made a mistake in the buildup, allowing Japan’s first goal. Goalkeeper Hugo Souza also struggled in key moments. Ancelotti’s team suffered from Japan’s high pressing, which forced errors and capitalized on quick counterattacks.
Ancelotti made several substitutions, but the changes had no impact. The entry of Richarlison and Estêvão in the second half brought movement, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat. A lack of cohesion in critical moments was evident, especially after tactical changes.
Japan capitalizes on Brazilian errors
Japan showed efficiency in finishing, with 10 shots compared to Brazil’s 6. Minamino opened the scoring in the second half after a mistake by Fabrício Bruno. Nakamura scored the second, with an own goal deflection from the Brazilian defender. Ueda, the match’s standout, sealed the comeback with a precise header at 25 minutes of the second half.
The Japanese team exploited the speed of Ito and Nakamura on the wings. High pressing disrupted Brazil’s buildup, especially in the second half. Goalkeeper Suzuki made crucial saves, securing the victory.
Tactical changes without success
Ancelotti fielded a lineup with changes compared to the 5-0 thrashing of South Korea. Players like Hugo Souza, Paulo Henrique, and Beraldo got opportunities but failed to maintain the previous game’s level. Brazil’s 50% possession was insufficient to create clear chances after the break.
Second-half substitutions, including Rodrygo and Matheus Cunha, aimed to refresh the attack. However, the team couldn’t reverse the scoreline. A goal by Joelinton was disallowed for offside, frustrating the attempt to equalize.
First half of Brazilian dominance
In the first half, Brazil controlled the game with well-crafted plays. Paulo Henrique scored his first goal for the national team in a fine move with Bruno Guimarães. Martinelli extended the lead with a precise shot after a Paquetá assist. Japan created few chances, with a notable shot from Ueda that went just wide of the post.
Crowd and Copa Kirin context
The match, valid for the Copa Kirin, drew a large crowd to the Tokyo National Stadium. Brazilian fans were present, but it was the Japanese who celebrated the historic victory. The trophy stayed with Japan, which beat Brazil for the first time in friendlies.
Brazil’s upcoming commitments
Brazil now returns home to assess its performance in the October friendlies. The defeat highlights the need for defensive adjustments and greater tactical consistency. Ancelotti is expected to use upcoming training sessions to address flaws ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers.
