Tokyo Triumph: Japan Breaks Brazil’s Streak with a 3-2 Comeback
14 October 2025
Match Report: Japan's Historic Comeback
Japan produced a historic comeback to beat Brazil 3-2 in a friendly in Tokyo. Brazil looked on course after the first half, taking a 2-0 lead with goals from Paulo Henrique in the 26th minute and Gabriel Martinelli in the 32nd.
But the mood shifted after the break as Takumi Minamino sparked the comeback with a strike in the 52nd minute, followed by Keito Nakamura leveling the score in the 62nd. Ayase Oida headed home the winner in the 71st minute, sealing a remarkable turnaround.
The match also marked Brazil's first-ever loss to Japan in 14 meetings. It comes as Carlo Ancelotti reshaped the side after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign, keeping top scorers Estevao and Rodrygo on the bench and giving minutes to Martinelli and Henrique alongside Vinicius Jr in a fluid attack.
Historically, Brazil and Japan have shared a long rivalry that mirrors the evolution of football in their regions. Since 1989 they have met in friendlies and tournaments, with Brazil historically dominant but Japan progressively closing the gap, a trend highlighted by this result.
In the run-up to the 2026 World Cup, both nations had already qualified for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This friendly offered Japan a confidence boost and reminded Brazil that even giants can be checked by a rising opponent in Tokyo.
Two memorable goals and a late winner gave Japan a historic 3-2 victory over Brazil in Tokyo. The result adds to the ongoing story of Brazil's rebuilding under Ancelotti and Japan's emergence as a serious challenger on the world stage.
Punchline 1: If fortune favors the brave, Japan just borrowed a bit of Brazil's luck and sent it back as a souvenir—careful, it has a travel visa.
Punchline 2: Brazil's next training plan: hire a bigger goalkeeper and a bigger coffee—apparently both are needed to face the rising sun in Tokyo.
