Brazil learn tough lesson in first-ever defeat to Japan
Brazil endured a 3-2 defeat against Japan in a friendly match on Tuesday, marking their first-ever loss to the host nation. The five-time world champions were ahead 2-0 at halftime but conceded three second-half goals, highlighting defensive lapses that drew concern ahead of their upcoming World Cup campaign.
Brazilian captain Casemiro described the second-half performance as a costly “blackout,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus at the highest level of competition. “If you sleep for 45 minutes, it could cost you a World Cup, a Copa América, a medal, a four-year dream,” he said. The team’s complacency after the strong opening half meant letting slip a comfortable lead built by Paulo Henrique and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.
The comeback began when Japan’s Takumi Minamino capitalized on a misplaced pass by Fabrício Bruno early in the second half. Bruno then compounded the defensive errors with an own goal that allowed Japan to equalize. Ayase Ueda later secured the winning goal with a header, sealing a historic victory for the Japanese side.
Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the defensive mistakes but stressed the importance of the team’s reaction to setbacks. “The biggest mistake was not reacting well after the first goal,” Ancelotti said. “Until Fabrício’s mistake, we controlled the game well.” He described the loss as a needed lesson in balance and mentality as the team prepares for the tournament.
The friendly follows Brazil’s dominant 5-0 win over South Korea, underscoring inconsistent performances in recent international fixtures. Ancelotti plans to continue squad assessments during the upcoming FIFA window in November, aiming to refine balance and resilience for the World Cup challenge.
This result serves as a reminder of the margin for error at the elite level and the necessity for Brazil to maintain focus throughout matches. The defeat could prompt tactical adjustments and mental sharpening to prevent a repeat on football’s biggest stage. For Japan, the win represents a milestone in their footballing progress and confidence-building ahead of future competitions.