Japan completes second-half comeback and records first-ever win against Brazil

Japan claimed its first victory over Brazil after beating Carlo Ancelotti’s side 3-2 in the second half in a friendly in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Luiz Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli scored as Brazil turned on the style in the opening 45 minutes, four days after beating South Korea 5-0 in Seoul.

But Japan hit back after the break with goals from Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakamura and Ayase Ueda, sending the crowd of almost 45,000 wild.

It was Japan’s first victory over Brazil in 14 attempts.

It was also Brazil’s second defeat since Italian Ancelotti took over in May, following a 1-0 defeat to Bolivia in World Cup qualifying.

Both Brazil and Japan have qualified for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Ancelotti shuffled his line-up from the team that ravaged South Korea, dropping goalscorers Estevao and Rodrygo to the bench along with Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha.

AS IT HAPPENED: JPN VS BRA HIGHLIGHTS

Martinelli and Henrique entered at the front as partners of Vinicius Junior.

Japan were missing several injured regulars, including Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo.

The home team almost took the lead when Ueda narrowly managed to connect with a dangerous ball at the back post in the first real chance of the match.

Brazil made Japan pay when a smooth passing move sent Henrique clear, and the Zenit St. Petersburg forward finished in style.

Martinelli made it two just minutes later when he smashed the ball past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki after Lucas Paqueta had found him with a clever chipped pass.

Japan pulled back seven minutes into the second half when Minamino pounced on a loose ball from Fabricio Bruno and fired it past Hugo Souza.

The hosts scored the equalizer when Nakamura turned the ball in at the back post, following a heavy deflection from the hapless Bruno.

Ueda then hit the crossbar before putting Japan ahead with a bullet header a minute later.

Brazil tried to find a way back into the match, but Japan handled their attacks comfortably and could have added to their own score.

Published on October 14, 2025