Japan detached a gorgeous comeback to win five-time world champions Brazil 3-2 in an amiable at a full Tokyo Stadium on Tuesday, becoming the initial time they would triumph over the South Americans in 14 years of encounters.
Brazil dominated the first half of the match and at the break of the game, the visitors led 2-0, through the efforts of Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli. However, the second half narrated the opposite story.
The comeback was sparked when Takumi Minamino took advantage of a misplaced pass that was delivered by Fabricio Bruno to create a goal in the 52nd minute. Only nine minutes later, the Brazilian misfortunes became even greater as Bruno accidentally kicked the ball into his net which evened the score.
Japan screamed as the crowd cheered on the victor. Ayase Ueda pulled down a historic victory with a powerful header when a corner was passed perfectly by a sub Junya Ito in the 71st minute to the striker.
Brazil captain Casemiro confessed to TV Globo that it was a blackout by everybody on our part in the second half. On this level, even going off a single half long can cost you a world cup or a Copa America. This is what we should learn before the world cup.
Brazil had dominated the first half despite the rotated lineup of the coach Carlo Ancelotti who rested several of his starters following their 5-0 against South Korea on the previous Friday. Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães are the only regulars who were retained as midfielders and Vinicius Jr. Guimarães prepared Henrique as the opener in the 26 th minute and Martinelli made it 2-0 after six minutes with a clean finish when nudged by a Lucas Paquetá pass.
However, Japan came back in the second half with renewed vigor as it used the Brazilian defensive errors. These vices of Bruno and Lucas Beraldo revealed weaknesses that might cost them since they struggle over being selected to World Cup.
It was the first victory of Japan over Brazil with 11 victories in the 13 games they played.
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