Key Takeaways:
- Japan secured their maiden victory over Brazil, winning 3-2 in a friendly in Tokyo on Tuesday
- Brazil led 2-0 at half-time with goals from Luiz Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli, but Japan scored three in the second half through Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakamura, and Ayase Ueda
- This defeat marked Brazil’s second under Carlo Ancelotti, who made several changes to his starting eleven
Match Overview
Japan produced a remarkable second-half turnaround to defeat Brazil 3-2 in a friendly held in Tokyo, sealing their first ever win against the five-time World Cup champions after 13 previous unsuccessful attempts. The result sent the near 45,000-strong home crowd into raptures and delivered a significant morale boost ahead of next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, for which both national teams have already qualified.
51’: Japan 0-2 Brazil
FT: Japan 3-2 BrazilJapan come back to beat Brazil for the first time in their history.
Incredible 🇯🇵💥 pic.twitter.com/SVj5lQnTuE
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 14, 2025
Brazil Dominate the First Half
Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil, just four days after thrashing South Korea 5-0 in Seoul, appeared to continue their fine form early on. With several changes from their previous outing – as Estevao and Rodrygo dropped to the bench along with Matheus Cunha – Martinelli and Luiz Henrique joined Vinicius Junior in attack.
Japan, missing regular starters such as Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma and Liverpool’s Wataru Endo due to injury, had a swift opportunity to claim the advantage when Ayase Ueda nearly reached a dangerous cross at the far post. However, the visitors responded clinically. Luiz Henrique finished coolly following a seamless passage of play to open the scoring. Minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli smashed in a second after being picked out by a clever chipped ball from Lucas Paqueta, sending Brazil in at the break two goals up.
Japan’s Second-Half Revival
The momentum shifted dramatically after half-time. Seven minutes into the second period, Takumi Minamino pounced on a loose ball from Fabricio Bruno and fired past Hugo Souza to halve the deficit. Keito Nakamura then levelled proceedings, turning in a cross at the back post after a heavy deflection off Bruno. Ueda struck the bar before heading the hosts in front just one minute later, completing an impressive comeback.
Despite Brazil’s efforts to salvage a result, Japan managed to absorb the pressure and looked capable of scoring again before the final whistle. Ancelotti’s side, having only previously suffered a single loss (1-0 to Bolivia in World Cup qualifying) since the Italian took charge in May, were left to reflect on a surprise defeat.
| Team | Goalscorers | Final Score |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Minamino (52’), Nakamura (67’), Ueda (76’) | 3 |
| Brazil | Henrique (24’), Martinelli (29’) | 2 |
Looking Ahead
As both Brazil and Japan look ahead to their World Cup campaigns, this encounter will serve as an important reference point – for Japan, as proof of their progress on the global stage, and for Brazil, as a clear signal that further refinement is needed under Ancelotti’s guidance.
