Japan 3-2 Brazil

By Rene Vidal

• Date & Location: October 14, 2025, at Ajinomoto Stadium (Tokyo)

• Result: Japan 3 – 2 Brazil

• Significance: This was Japan’s first-ever victory over Brazil in men’s international football, ending a 13-match winless record (11 losses, 2 draws) in previous meetings.

First Half: Brazil in Command

The opening 45 minutes largely belonged to Brazil. Coach Carlo Ancelotti fielded a somewhat rotated lineup (though retaining Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, and Vinícius Júnior).

• 26’ – Paulo Henrique (Brazil 1-0)Bruno Guimarães threaded a through-ball that split the Japanese backline. Paulo Henrique ran in behind and struck a composed finish past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

• 32’ – Gabriel Martinelli (Brazil 2-0)Six minutes later, Brazil extended their lead. Lucas Paquetá played a deft lobbed pass, and Martinelli took it in stride before finishing low and precise. Japan looked disoriented under Brazil’s high pressing and precision.

By halftime, Japan were chasing shadows. Brazil’s midfield control and incisive forward moves left little room for the hosts to settle.

Second Half: The Great Japanese Revival

What followed was a dramatic turnaround that few would have predicted at halftime.

Key Moments & Goals

• 52’ – Takumi Minamino (Japan 1-2)Brazil’s Fabrício Bruno misplayed a pass under pressure. Minamino pounced on the error and slotted a shot from close range, giving Japan renewed belief.

• 62’ – Keito Nakamura (Japan 2-2)Disaster struck again for Brazil: Bruno attempted a clearance but sliced it into his own net, leveling the contest.

• 71’ – Ayase Ueda (Japan 3-2)Japan’s substitute Junya Ito delivered a precise corner. Ueda rose above Brazil’s defender Lucas Beraldo and powered a header into the net. It proved to be the decisive blow.

That was the moment of truth: Brazil’s defense, impeccable in the first half, collapsed. Japan’s momentum surged, and they defended stoutly to preserve the lead until the final whistle.

Tactical & Individual Highlights

Japan

• Resilience & Adaptation: The Japanese side showed patience. Rather than chase wildly, they absorbed pressure, exploited errors, and gradually turned the tide.

• Midfield adjustments: They were more compact and cautious in the first half; in the second, they pressed Brazil more aggressively, closing passing lanes.

• Impact substitutes: Junya Ito’s assist and Ueda’s header underline the strength of their bench.

• Psychological boost: Given that this was their first win over Brazil, the confidence gained is enormous, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil

• Strong start but fragile finish: The first half was textbook controlled tempo, quick transitions, incisive passes. But the second half exposed vulnerabilities.

• Fabrício Bruno’s errors: His mistakes directly resulted in both Japanese goals in the second half.

• Leadership reaction: Captain Casemiro was fulsome in his criticism:

  “It was a blackout from everyone … this is the highest level, if you fall asleep in an entire half it can cost you a World Cup.”

• Line-up choices: Ancelotti’s decision to rotate may have contributed to a lack of cohesion in defense in the second half. Aftermath & Implications

• Historical milestone: Japan broke new ground by defeating Brazil for the first time ever in men’s international play.

• Confidence for Japan: With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, this result will be a major morale booster. Ueda has already spoken about the team’s growing belief.

• Questions for Brazil: The loss raises doubts about defensive depth, mental resilience, and squad rotation strategy ahead of a major tournament.

• Looking ahead: Both teams will use this as a learning fixture. For Japan, it’s evidence that they can compete — and win — against footballing giants. For Brazil, it’s a warning that even dominant sides are vulnerable if they lose structure and focus.