The green and gold national team dominates, then collapses in the second half and loses for the first time against the Japanese. Without Rodrygo, the Italian coach also pays for the large turnover
Harakiri Ancelotti. His Brazil comeback from 0-2 to 3-2 by Japan, in the second Asian friendly in preparation for the World Cup. In Tokyo, the Seleçao dominated the first half, driven by goals from Paulo Henrique and Martinelli, but they threw themselves away in the second half, conceding three goals: Fabricio Bruno was disastrous in defence, guilty of the first goal conceded and half an own goal during the 2-2 draw. Second defeat for Ancelotti since he took over as Brazilian coach. On the other side it’s a big celebration: Japan had never won before against the green and gold.
risky choices
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Both national teams are already qualified for the next 2026 World Cup, but they will compete at the Tokyo Stadium to put fuel in their legs. Ancelotti looked impassively at Ueda’s 3-2 goal, headed from a corner, also thanks to a not faultless intervention by Hugo Souza, the Brazilian goalkeeper making his debut. The Italian coach paid for a large turnover – Estevao and Rodrygo out of the starting lineup, the two in best form at the moment – and some risky choices such as Fabricio Bruno, making his fourth appearance for Brazil. The Cruzeiro defender gave the 1-2 ball to Minamino at the start of the second half and was guilty of a sensational misdirection on Nakamura’s 2-2 shot, aimed towards the goal and considered a goal in all respects.
comeback
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In the first half, Brazil had offered very good football, made up of tight passes and dominance in the dribble: the actions that led to the two goals were emblematic, first from Paulo Henrique in the 26th minute (great through ball from Guimaraes), then from Martinelli in the 32nd minute (bowl from Paquetà). Japan’s comeback was completed between the 52nd and 71st minutes, in a second half in which Brazil completely pulled the plug. Carlos Augusto remained on the pitch until the 75th minute. For the Japanese it is a morale-boosting victory given that, between friendlies and official tournaments, they had never beaten Brazil.
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