Brazil was beaten by Japan 3 x 2, in a friendly held this Tuesday (14) in Tokyo. The result marks the Japanese team’s first victory against Amarelinha, as well as the Brazilian team’s second defeat against Asian teams in history.
In the first half of the first half, the Japanese managed to contain the Brazilian advance, opting for a defensive scheme and exploring counterattacks. However, little by little, the team coached by Carlo Ancelotti found its way into the game and opened the scoring with defender Paulo Henrique, in the 26th minute. After the first goal, Brazil knew how to involve the opponent’s defensive scheme and found the net again with midfielder Gabriel Martinelli.
In the second half, with a comfortable lead, the team experienced a real “blackout”. After a bizarre mistake by defender Fabricio Bruno, midfielder Takumi Minamino stole the ball free from any marking and scored. Encouraged, Japan launched an attack and center forward Keito Nakumura received a cross alone, giving goalkeeper Hugo Souza no chance.
Without control of the match, coach Carlo Ancelotti made six substitutions in the second half, which had no effect. Maintaining the offensive rhythm, the Japanese achieved the historic turnaround in a corner play with striker Ayase Ueda. After that, the home team continued to subjugate Canarinho, who did not have the strength to seek a draw.
The result marks the first time that Brazil has opened a two-goal lead and ended the match defeated. The team also closes the FIFA date with a 5 x 0 defeat against South Korea, in a friendly held last Friday (10), in Seoul.
Upcoming clashes
Now, the Brazilian team returns to the field next November against Senegal and Tunisia. The clashes are scheduled to take place in England and France, respectively.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also confirmed two other matches next March against two European teams that have not yet been defined. The strategy would be to diversify the clashes against teams from different continents, as Brazil still does not know who it will face in the world cup. The draw for the group stage is scheduled to take place in December.
