Japan 3-2 Brazil: Ancelotti’s men squander 2-0 lead to suffer morale-sapping defeat in Tokyo

Carlo Ancelotti suffered his second defeat in charge of Brazil as his side squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Japan in an international friendly.

The manner of the loss will alarm the veteran Italian. Having seen his first-choice XI cruise to an impressive 5-0 win in South Korea on Friday, Ancelotti opted to make eight changes, sticking to his pre-match vow to give those on the fringes an opportunity to impress.

They failed the audition as, despite a strong first-half showing, they capitulated in Tokyo as Japan overcome some indifferent form to register a 21st game without defeat on home soil.

It looked to be going to plan for Brazil when goals from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli put them in charge at half-time.

But the visitors fell apart after the break. Takumi Minamino pulled one back after 52 minutes and Keito Nakamura levelled 11 minutes later.

Brazil were rocking and with a fervent crowd pushing them on, the hosts netted the winner after 71 minutes, Ayase Ueda heading home.

Ueda spurns chance to hurt Brazil

The early stages were a tactical battle with both teams struggling to find any fluency – perhaps not surprising in Brazil’s case given the number of changes to the starting XI.

Vinicius Jr was operating as a false nine and struggled to make much of an impression with Brazil lacking much attacking threat.

Indeed, Japan ought to have taken the lead after 20 minutes. Brilliant play by Ritsu Doan created the opportunity, Minamino flicked it on for Ueda but he put his shot wide on the stretch.

It was to prove a costly miss as Brazil scored from their next opening.

Henrique started the move with a pass to Bruno Guimaraes, who after completing a one-two with Martinelli, played it back for the Fluminense forward to fire home.

It was 2-0 shortly afterwards, Lucas Paqueta lifting the ball over the Japan defence for Martinelli to slot past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki with his left foot.

Doan had Japan’s first shot on target towards the end of the first half but it did not trouble Brazil goalkeeper Hugo Souza.

Minamino stars comeback

Brazil had to steady the ship at the start of the second period and keep the hosts at bay until the life drained from the crowd.

They were unable to do it, though.

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