Brazil looked like the sure winner in Tokyo for a long time, before a hair-raising mistake brought the Japanese back on track. The Selecao was then literally overwhelmed within a few minutes.
Compared to last Friday’s 5-0 win in South Korea, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti made some lively changes: Hugo Souza replaced goalkeeper Bento, and the back four around Real Madrid player Eder Militao was completely replaced. Vinicius Junior was the only player remaining in attack, with Luiz Henrique, Lucas Paqueta, and Gabriel Martinelli replacing double goalscorers Estevao and Rodrygo as well as center forward Matheus Cunha.
The Japanese, who started with Bundesliga players Sano (Mainz) and Doan (Frankfurt), initially created a little more danger in front of goal and had their first big chance in the 20th minute when Minamino fired in a shot from a tight angle. Brazil started the game rather slowly – and then struck coldly. A fine combination on the right put Paulo Henrique in position, and his shot with the outside of his foot ended up in the far corner (26′).
The build-up to the 2-0 just six minutes later was also impressive: an outstanding lobbed pass from Lucas Paqueta over the back four found Martinelli, and the Arsenal player made no mistake with the chance in front of the Japanese goal.
Fabricio Bruno’s blackout turns the game around
However, the second half in Tokyo was to prove eventful. A hair-raising mistake by Fabricio Bruno initially brought Japan back within striking distance. The center back lost his nerve while building up play in his own penalty area and played the ball into the feet of Minamino, who slotted home from close range (52′). Fabricio Bruno also cut a poor figure when the equalizer came in the 62nd minute, deflecting a volley from Nakamura into his own goal to make it 2-2. Things got even worse for Ancelotti, who made six substitutions in the second half. After a corner from Ito, Ueda headed the ball from very close range at keeper Hugo Souza, who was unable to deflect the ball past the post – and from the 71st minute onwards, Brazil suddenly found themselves trailing.
Ultimately, the Selecao were unable to turn the tide in the duel between the two World Cup participants. With the help of Gladbach striker Shuto Machino, Japan held on to their lead and celebrated a historic victory, the first ever for the “Blue Samurai” in their 14th match against Brazil. For Ancelotti, on the other hand, the fatal collapse and lack of response are likely to have raised a few questions. It was already the second defeat under the long-time Real coach since he took office at the beginning of June.