Historic Shock in Tokyo! Japan Beat Brazil For The First Time Ever

Last Updated:October 14, 2025, 18:36 IST

Samurai Blue rally from two goals down to stun Ancelotti’s side 3–2 in friendly thriller

Japan shocked Brazil with a tremendous comeback to etch their first-ever win against the Selecao (X)

Japan made history on Tuesday night, recording their first-ever victory over Brazil after a stunning second-half comeback to win 3–2 in a friendly at the National Stadium in Tokyo.

Before this match, Japan had faced Brazil 13 times without a single win. But in front of a roaring home crowd of nearly 45,000 fans, they overturned a two-goal deficit to seal a result that will go down as one of the country’s greatest footballing moments.

Brazil dominate early, Japan hang on

Brazil, led by Carlo Ancelotti, looked in full control early on. After thrashing South Korea 5–0 in Seoul just four days earlier, the Selecão seemed ready for another easy night.

Goals from Luiz Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli put the visitors 2–0 up by halftime. Henrique finished off a smooth passing move after being set up by Vinícius Júnior, while Martinelli doubled the lead minutes later with a powerful strike after a clever chipped assist from Lucas Paquetá.

Japan, missing key players such as Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo through injury, struggled to contain Brazil’s attacking rhythm in the opening 45 minutes.

A second-half turnaround for the ages

But everything changed after the break. Japan came out with renewed energy and belief.

Just seven minutes into the second half, Takumi Minamino pounced on a loose ball from Brazil defender Fabricio Bruno and fired past goalkeeper Hugo Souza to give Japan hope.

The equalizer came soon after, when Keito Nakamura turned in a cross at the far post — his shot taking a big deflection off Bruno on its way into the net.

Then came the moment that sent the stadium into chaos. In the 78th minute, Ayase Ueda — who had earlier hit the crossbar — powered home a bullet header to put Japan ahead for the first time.

Brazil pushed forward in the closing minutes, but Japan’s defence held firm, with goalkeeper Zion Suzuki making several key saves to preserve the famous win.

A first in history

The victory marked Japan’s first win over Brazil in 14 meetings, a record stretching back to their first encounter in 1989. It also handed Ancelotti his second defeat since taking charge of Brazil in May, following a 1–0 loss to Bolivia in World Cup qualifying.

Both nations have already qualified for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but this result will send a clear message: Japan are no longer underdogs.

After the match, Ancelotti admitted Brazil “lost intensity" and praised Japan’s fightback:

“Japan played with great energy and spirit. We controlled the first half but lost focus after the break. These matches are a reminder that every opponent must be respected."

(with AFP inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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