It was one of those nights that Tokyo will never forget. Under the bright lights of the Ajinomoto Stadium, Japan stunned the football world, coming from two goals down to beat Brazil 3-2 in a friendly that felt anything but friendly. It wasn’t just a win; it was history in motion. Japan, being fearless, was actually expected to have a go at Brazil, as reported by Softfootball in the match preview, but they went on about it in an unbelievable manner.
From the start, Brazil looked like, well, Brazil. Calm on the ball, full of tricks, and sharp in front of goal. Paulo Henrique opened the scoring in the 26th minute with an outside-the-boot finish that had class written all over it. Before Japan could regroup, Gabriel Martinelli smashed home a half-volley after a sweet chip from Lucas Paquetá — 2-0. The Seleção were dancing again, fresh off that 5-0 demolition of South Korea as reported by Softfootball.
But if you thought it was over, you don’t know this Japan side. Something changed after the break. They came out with fire, with belief, with that crowd behind them. Takumi Minamino started the comeback in the 52nd minute, pouncing on a loose ball after a shaky clearance from Fabrício Bruno. Suddenly, there was noise again. And energy. Ten minutes later, Keito Nakamura’s strike, helped by a nasty deflection, made it 2-2.
Brazil looked shocked. Ancelotti threw on Rodrygo and Matheus Cunha, but the flow had already shifted. Then, in the 71st minute, came the moment. Junya Itō whipped in a teasing corner, and Ayase Ueda rose highest. His header wasn’t perfect, but it was enough. Hugo Souza got a hand on it, yet somehow, the ball trickled over the line. Tokyo went wild.
When the whistle blew, players dropped to the ground, exhausted, emotional, almost in disbelief. Japan’s first-ever win over Brazil — a comeback for the ages. Their unbeaten home run now stands at 21 games. For the Seleção, it was a reminder that even giants fall. For Japan, it was proof that dreams, sometimes, do come true.
This post on Japan’s official X account celebrates Japan’s 3-2 victory over Brazil, a rare upset given Brazil’s historical dominance.
