Brazil stunned by Japan's second-half fightback in friendly

Updated: Oct 14, 2025, 10:36 am
Japan beat Brazil for the first time in their history on Tuesday.
Koji Watanabe/Getty Images

Japan completed a stunning second-half turnaround to secure a first-ever victory over Brazil in Wednesday's friendly in Tokyo.

Looking to build on Friday's 5-0 friendly win over South Korea, Carlo Ancelotti's team took the lead on 26 minutes when Paulo Henrique fired a powerful strike home after being played through by Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães.

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli doubled their lead six minutes later, latching onto Lucas Paquetá's pass before hitting a low finish.

But Japan staged a brilliant turnaround after the break and were level soon after the hour mark thanks to goals from Takumi Minamino and Keito Nakamura.

Ayase Ueda then scored with a thumping header in the 71st minute to clinch a 3-2 triumph for the hosts, sparking joyous scenes at Ajinomoto Stadium.