Analysis of Brazil's surprising 3-2 defeat to Japan. Ancelotti's Brazilian team collapsed in the second half. Player ratings and key takeaways from the match.
The selection of Brazil squandered a two-goal lead in a complete second-half collapse, resulting in a humiliating 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. Carlo Ancelotti's side looked in complete control at halftime thanks to goals from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli, but they conspired to throw away their advantage, crumbling under pressure from their spirited hosts. This is the second defeat of his tenure, and Ancelotti has his work cut out for him as preparations for the 2026 World Cup ramp up.
Although the game started evenly, Brazil showed his quality to take control midway through the first half with two sensational goals. Moments after Ayase Ueda missed a golden opportunity for Japan, a fine interchange of passes ended with the right-back of BrazilHenrique, scoring with the outside of his boot. Six minutes later, Lucas Paquetá sent an exquisite pass over the defender for Arsenal's Martinelli to finish into the back of the net.
However, the match took a turn in the second half. Japan came out with renewed intent and surprised a Brazil cold. Former Liverpool player Takumi Minamino capitalized on a terrible error by defender Fabricio Bruno to score Japan's first. Shortly after the hour mark, Bruno himself unintentionally deflected Keito Nakamura's shot into his own net to equalize. Japan completed their remarkable comeback 20 minutes from time when Ueda made amends for his earlier miss, heading in a corner to seal the win, although goalkeeper Hugo Souza could have done more. Brazil was unable to react, and the Asian nation claimed a famous victory in Tokyo.
Brazil player ratings from Ajinomoto Stadium
Goalkeeper and Defense
- Hugo Souza (4/10): He had no chance on Japan's first two goals, but he really should have stopped Ueda's header, which was powerful but straight at him.
- Paulo Henrique (7/10): He caused a lot of problems for the energetic Japanese full-back Nakamura, but he himself launched himself into the attack to produce an excellent finish and open the scoring. He was contained in the second half.
- Fabricio Bruno (3/10): He was initially a quiet presence in defense, but was completely lost in the second period as his horribly misplaced pass was brutally punished by Minamino, before he somehow sent Nakamura's shot into the roof of his own net.
- Lucas Beraldo (6/10): He wasn't as chaotic as his partner in central defense, but he couldn't stabilize the defense while the defense of Brazil was falling apart.
- Carlos Augusto (5/10): He projected himself well in attack, but often struggled defensively against the talented Doan and Takefusa Kubo on his flank.
Midfield
- Bruno Guimaraes (7/10): He earned his second perfect assist in as many games with a superb pass to Henrique. He was substituted early on, before Brazil completely lost control.
- Casemiro (7/10): He proved he's still important to his country at 33, making a perfectly timed tackle as Japan attacked in the first half and a key block in the second period.
- Lucas Paquetá (7/10): He moved menacingly between the lines and provided a sublime assist for Martinelli, lofting the ball over the Japanese defense. However, his attacking influence diminished.
Attack
- Luiz Henrique (7/10): Always positive with his dribbling and tried to create chances, although his final product was somewhat lacking.
- Vinicius Jr (6/10): He started the match as a center forward Brazil, but swapped positions with Martinelli on the left. He had some brilliant moments, but wasn't at his best out of position before being withdrawn early in the second half.
- Gabriel Martinelli (7/10): Perhaps a little behind in the attack hierarchy of BrazilThe Arsenal man will be delighted to have scored a great goal after being expertly found by Paquetá. He probably shouldn't have been substituted so early.
Substitutes and Coach
- Matheus Cunha (6/10): He had a goal ruled out for offside and couldn't have the impact he would have liked.
- Rodrygo (6/10): After shining against South Korea, the Real Madrid man couldn't really get into the game.
- Joelinton (6/10): He made his physical presence felt as usual, but was contained by the Japanese defense.
- Richarlison (5/10): He headed a good late chance over the bar, but otherwise didn't see much action.
- Carlo Ancelotti (4/10): The legendary Italian will surely come under scrutiny for allowing complacency to set in. His awkward substitutions early in the second half contributed to the team's complete loss of control. Brazil.
