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Japan’s coach Hajime Moriyasu told his players to revel in their 3-2 friendly victory over Brazil on Tuesday, but warned that this could make them a target at next year’s World Cup.
Japan achieved their first victory against Brazil after mounting a remarkable comeback in the second half, stunning Carlo Ancelotti’s squad in Tokyo.
Historically, Japan has never advanced beyond the last 16 in a World Cup, but Moriyasu has stated their goal is to lift the trophy in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Brazil had started the match strongly, with Luiz Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli finding the net in the first half, just four days after defeating South Korea 5-0 in Seoul.
However, Japan responded brilliantly in the second half, with goals from Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakamura, and Ayase Ueda igniting the excitement of the nearly 45,000-strong crowd.
This marked Japan’s first victory over Brazil in 14 meetings. For Brazil, it was only their second loss since Carlo Ancelotti took charge in May, the previous being a 1-0 away defeat to Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers.
Ancelotti said that his team needed to achieve a better balance but promised to keep trying different line-ups ahead of the World Cup.
He made several changes to the team that delivered a decisive win against South Korea, opting to bench goalscorers Estevao and Rodrygo, along with Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha. Martinelli and Henrique were brought in to join Vinicius Junior in the attacking trio.
Japan were missing several key players due to injuries, including Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo.
Brazil took the lead when Henrique finished a smooth passing play with a stylish shot, leaving goalkeeper Zion Suzuki with no chance.
Martinelli quickly added a second goal by driving the ball past Suzuki after receiving a clever chip from Lucas Paquetá.
Japan reduced the deficit seven minutes into the second half when Minamino seized on a loose ball from Fabricio Bruno and struck it past Hugo Souza.
The hosts equalised when Nakamura converted a deflected ball at the back post, thanks to a significant deflection off the unfortunate Bruno.
Ueda then hit the crossbar before giving Japan the lead a minute later with a powerful header.
Brazil attempted to regain control of the match, but Japan effectively managed their attacking efforts and might have even increased their goal tally.
