SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) secured a historic 3-2 comeback win over Brazil on Tuesday 14 October at Tokyo Stadium, in the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2025. Second-half goals from MINAMINO Takumi (AS Monaco), NAKAMURA Keito (Stade de Reims), and UEDA Ayase (Feyenoord) earned Japan their first-ever victory in 14 encounters with the five-time World Cup winners.

"We’re going to challenge them as equals."

Head coach MORIYASU Hajime’s message to the players was fully embodied in this memorable result.

Following a 2-2 draw with Paraguay just four days earlier, Japan made four changes to their starting line-up. TANIGUCHI Shogo (Sint-Truidense VV) returned from a long-term Achilles injury to anchor the back three, with WATANABE Tsuyoshi (Feyenoord) on the right and SUZUKI Junnosuke (FC Copenhagen) on the left. KAMADA Daichi (Crystal Palace), who came off the bench in the previous match, started alongside SANO Kaishu (Mainz 05) in a holding midfield role. KUBO Takefusa (Real Sociedad) slotted in as the right-sided central midfielder, pushing DOAN Ritsu (Eintracht Frankfurt) further wide on the right. Ueda led the line, while the left side remained unchanged, with Minamino and Nakamura occupying the left central midfield and left wing positions respectively. SUZUKI Zion (Parma Calcio 1913) retained his place in goal.

Brazil, meanwhile, made eight changes to the side that had defeated Korea Republic 5-0 in Seoul on the 10th. Midfielders Casemiro and Bruno GUIMARAES retained their starting roles, orchestrating play as Brazil dominated much of the first half.

Japan began brightly, showing real attacking intent. Within the opening 15 minutes, Nakamura and Sano both tested the Brazilian defence. Just after the 20th minute mark, Doan surged down the right and cut the ball back for Minamino, whose driven cross was met by Ueda – only for his left-footed effort to drift narrowly wide.

Brazil began to exploit the flanks of Japan’s back three, forcing the hosts to drop into a 5-4-1 defensive block, but despite their efforts, the deadlock was broken in the 26th minute.

A slick passing move through midfield saw Vinicius JUNIOR, Guimaraes and Lucas PAQUETA combine before Paulo HENRIQUE broke through and calmly slotted home with his right foot.

Just six minutes later, Brazil doubled their lead. Vinicius initiated the move before Paqueta’s lofted pass found Gabriel MARTINELLI, who struck a superb left-footed effort into the corner to make it 2-0.

Japan continued to probe, particularly through Kubo down the right, but were unable to create any clear-cut opportunities before the break.

The second half, however, told a different story.

Almost immediately after the restart, Minamino, Kamada and Doan began testing the Brazilian back line with a string of incisive moves, and the home side’s long-awaited breakthrough came in the 52nd minute

High pressing from Doan, Kamada, Ueda and Minamino forced a turnover deep in Brazilian territory. The loose ball fell kindly to Minamino, who struck with his right foot to bring Japan back into the match at 2-1.

Moments later, Japan introduced ITO Junya (KRC Genk) in place of Kubo – and the substitution paid dividends almost instantly.

Doan fed a clever ball into the space behind Brazil’s defence, and Ito raced on to it before delivering a pinpoint cross from the right. Arriving unmarked at the far post, Nakamura struck with his right foot; the shot deflected off a defender and nestled into the net to make it 2-2.

The equaliser sent the 44,920-strong crowd into raptures. Buoyed by the momentum, Japan continued to press forward. In the 70th minute, a long ball from goalkeeper Suzuki was flicked on by Ueda to Ito, who returned the favour with a pinpoint cross. Ueda met it with a towering header, which was deflected behind for a corner.

From the resulting set-piece, Ito delivered an in-swinging ball into the danger area. Rising highest, Ueda met it with a thumping header to complete a remarkable turnaround and give Japan a 3-2 lead.

In the 74th minute, Japan made a triple substitution, introducing SOMA Yuki (FC Machida Zelvia), TANAKA Ao (Leeds United), and MACHINO Shuto (Borussia Monchengladbach). Later, in the 85th minute, OGAWA Koki (NEC Nijmegen) and MOCHIZUKI Henry Heroki (FC Machida Zelvia) were also brought on to maintain the attacking pressure. Soma, Mochizuki and Tanaka all registered shots as Japan kept their foot on the pedal.

Brazil responded by bringing on Estevao – who had scored twice against Korea Republic – along with Richarlison and Caio HENRIQUE. They pushed hard in the closing stages, pinning Japan back in their own half.

But Japan’s defence stood resolute, bolstered by several crucial saves from Suzuki. They repelled wave after wave of Brazilian pressure to hold on for a historic 3-2 win.

This victory ended Japan’s run of three matches without a win and improved their all-time record against Brazil to 1 win, 2 draws and 11 defeats. It also marked Japan’s fourth victory over a World Cup-winning nation, following past triumphs over Uruguay, Germany, and Spain.

Coach and Players' Comments

MORIYASU Hajime, Head Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
The first half was tough, but the players stayed focused and kept fighting. At half-time, everyone remained constructive. We discussed calmly how to make the necessary adjustments, and the coaching staff communicated those changes clearly. Thanks to the team’s concentration and collective effort, we were able to turn the game around. Our plan was to start on the front foot, press high once the game settled, and win the ball in advanced areas to launch our attacks. But perhaps I didn’t communicate that strongly enough, as we struggled to apply pressure early on. I sensed the players were reacting to Brazil’s intensity, which could have caused some initial hesitation. It reminded me of the Germany match at the 2022 World Cup. That’s why I felt I needed to guide the players with words that would boost their confidence. I’m proud of how we stayed united and kept fighting until the very end. Everyone, including the players, coaches, and staff, was committed not just to the result, but to the process. Even when things didn’t go to plan, we faced the reality head-on and pushed ourselves to grow as a team. That’s something we must continue. Beating Brazil is never easy. Each player has worked hard to improve at club level, and they’ve brought that growth to the national team, playing with pride and dedication for Japan. This win is also thanks to all those who came before us. Those who challenged for victory time and again. That said, this result means our future opponents will take us even more seriously. We must carry forward both the confidence this gives us, and the caution it demands. I’m truly grateful to all the supporters who painted the stadium blue. The incredible atmosphere really helped push the players on until the final whistle.

DF #3 TANIGUCHI Shogo (Sint-Truidense VV/Belgium)
To be part of the team that finally beat Brazil is an amazing feeling. It wasn’t a perfect performance, so we’ll reflect, make the necessary improvements, and move forward. We did concede goals, but in the end, we managed to shut things down when it mattered most and I’ll take confidence from that. The two defenders either side of me were outstanding, especially in one-on-one situations. They were brilliant. My job was to control and support them, but in truth, they saved me on many occasions. I really felt like we defended as one unit.

MF/FW #8 MINAMINO Takumi (AS Monaco/France)
Even when we were 0–2 down, we’d created a few chances, so we believed we could get back into it. We felt that if we could just get one goal, we’d have a real shot. In the second half, we pressed more aggressively, going man-to-man, and we were able to capitalise on one of their mistakes. I caught sight of the keeper, and I knew I had to go for it, so I hit it with power. After that, the momentum shifted to us, and the support from the fans really pushed us on. It definitely helped us get over the line. At half-time, the coach told us: “This game is far from over. If we get one back, we’re right in it.” We’d never beaten Brazil before, and for us, this was far more than just a friendly. I told the team, “Let’s fight to make history.”

MF/FW #10 DOAN Ritsu (Eintracht Frankfurt/Germany)
Beating Brazil is undoubtedly a massive step forward for Japanese football. We’ve made history today. But we can’t stop here. The World Cup is what really matters. It’s only when we win on that stage that it truly counts, so we can’t afford to rest on this. At half-time, we tweaked our tactics and decided to go toe-to-toe with Brazil and that’s what led to the comeback. Minamino’s finish was outstanding. It’s not easy to stay composed in that moment, and the goal gave us real belief and momentum. Even when we capitalised on their mistake, there was tactical intent behind it. It was a superb team goal.

MF/FW #13 NAKAMURA Keito (Stade de Reims/France)
I’ve played with Ito for two years at Reims, so I knew he’d deliver that cross. It was a fantastic ball. It bounced just in front of me, but I focused on keeping it low and tried not to sky it. I was running at full pace, so it wasn’t easy, but I managed to keep it on target and score. I’m really glad it went in.

MF/FW #18 UEDA Ayase (Feyenoord/Netherlands)
(On his winning goal from the corner) They had three markers and we had four runners. Before the ball came in, I dropped back slightly to allow the others to draw their markers away, and that gave me the space to move freely. It was something I’d visualised beforehand. I knew that if I could shake my marker, the space would open up. I wouldn’t say I’m just in good form. It’s more about the preparation and the work I’ve put in. I feel like things are starting to come together, and that I’m genuinely improving my technique.

Carlo ANCELOTTI, Head Coach of Brazil National Team
No one ever wants to lose, and of course, I’m disappointed and very dissatisfied. I wanted to see more desire and determination from the players in representing their country. In the second half, we simply couldn’t match Japan’s intensity. The team’s mentality dropped after the first mistake and that was our biggest failing. Japan were excellent, especially in the way they pressed from the front. That made it difficult for us to build from the back. There’s a lot we need to take away and learn from this match.

Fixture: SAMURAI BLUE vs Brazil National Team
Date: Tue. 14 October, 19:30
Venue: Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo
Match information

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