Brazil surrendered a two-goal lead in a complete second-half collapse as they suffered a humiliating 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. Carlo Ancelotti's side had looked very comfortable at the break courtesy of fine strikes from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli, but they conspired to throw away their advantage – crumbling under pressure from their spirited hosts.
It had been an even contest in the opening exchanges, but Brazil showed their class to seize control midway through the first half with a sensational two-goal salvo.
Moments after Ayase Ueda had spurned a golden opportunity to give Japan the lead from all of two yards out, a neat interchange on the right ended with right-back Henrique firing home with the outside of his boot at the other end. Six minutes later, Lucas Paqueta lifted an exquisite pass over the defence for Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli to drift in and crash the ball into the bottom corner.
However, the game was turned on its head in the second period as the Samurai Blue came out with real intent, swiftly pulling one back when ex-Liverpool man Takumi Minamino pounced on an awful error from centre-back Fabricio Bruno and rifled into the top corner. They were level shortly after the hour mark, as Bruno failed to stop Keito Nakamura's goal-bound volley and instead diverted the ball into the roof of his own net.
Japan completed a remarkable comeback with 20 minutes to go. Ueda saw a header deflected onto the bar, and from the resulting corner he powered home another aerial effort, although goalkeeper Hugo Souza really should have kept it out. Brazil were unable to muster a response, as the Japanese claimed a famous victory in Tokyo.
GOAL rates Brazil's players from Ajinomoto Stadium…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Hugo Souza (4/10):
Had no chance with Japan's first two goals but really should have stopped Ueda's header, which was powerful but straight at him.
Paulo Henrique (7/10):
Caused plenty of issues by spritely Japan wing-back Keito Nakamura, but got forward himself to produce a fine finish to open the scoring. Pinned back in the second half.
Fabricio Bruno (3/10):
A calm presence at the back initially, but completely lost his way in the second period as his horribly misplaced pass was brutally punished by Minamino, before he somehow sent Nakamura's effort into the roof of his own net.
Lucas Beraldo (6/10):
Not as haphazard as his centre-back partner but was unable to steady the ship in defence as Brazil's backline crumbled.
Carlos Augusto (5/10):
Got forward well but often had his work cut out defensively against the talented Doan and Takefusa Kubo down his flank, and later substitute Junya Ito, who changed the game.
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Bruno Guimaraes (7/10):
Collected a second inch-perfect assist in as many games with a fine pass for Henrique. Taken off early before Brazil completely lost control.
Casemiro (7/10):
Showed he is still important to his country at 33, making a perfectly-timed tackle as Japan broke in the first half and a key block in the second period. Maybe should have been given a rest before Bruno.
Lucas Paqueta (7/10):
Drifted around menacingly between the lines and produced a sublime assist for Martinelli as he clipped the ball over Japan's backline. However, his attacking influence waned somewhat.
AFPAttack
Luiz Henrique (7/10):
Always positive with his dribbling and tried to make things happen, albeit his end product lacked somewhat.
Vinicius Jr (6/10):
Started the game as Brazil's central striker but interchanged with Martinelli on the left. Had some bright moments but not at his best before being withdrawn early in the second half.
Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):
Maybe something of an outsider in Brazil's attacking pecking order, the Arsenal man will be thrilled to have bagged a fine goal after being picked out by Paqueta. Probably shouldn't have been hooked early.
AFPSubs & Manager
Matheus Cunha (6/10):
Saw a goal disallowed for offside and was subsequently unable to have the kind of impact he would have liked.
Rodrygo (6/10):
After shining against South Korea the Real Madrid man wasn't really able to get into the game.
Joelinton (6/10):
Made his physical presence known as usual but was kept at bay by the Japanese defence.
Richarlison (5/10):
Headed a good late chance over the bar but otherwise didn't see much of the action.
Estevao (6/10):
Picked up a booking for a very cynical foul and saw a fine cross headed over by Richarlison.
Caiao Henrique (N/A):
Brought on to shore up a very shaky defence.
Carlo Ancelotti (4/10):
The legendary Italian is certain to come under some scrutiny for allowing complacency to creep in here. His strange substitutions early in the second half contributed to Brazil's complete loss of control.
