Japan stage comeback in Tokyo to defeat Brazil for the first time

Japan secured their inaugural victory against Brazil by mounting a strong comeback in the latter half to defeat Carlo Ancelotti's team 3-2 in a friendly match in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Goals from Luiz Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli enabled Brazil to dominate the first half with flair just four days after their 5-0 victory over South Korea in Seoul.

However Japan responded after the interval with strikes by Takumi Minamino Keito Nakamura and Ayase Ueda thrilling the crowd of nearly 45000 fans.

This was Japans maiden triumph over Brazil in 14 meetings.

It also marked Brazils second loss since the Italian Ancelotti assumed control in May after a 1-0 defeat away to Bolivia in World Cup qualifying.

Both Brazil and Japan have already earned qualification for next years World Cup in the United States Canada and Mexico.

Ancelotti adjusted his starting lineup from the side that crushed South Korea benching scorers Estevao and Rodrygo alongside Manchester Uniteds Matheus Cunha.

Martinelli and Henrique stepped in to support Vinicius Junior in attack.

Japan were without various injured key players including Brightons winger Kaoru Mitoma and Liverpools midfielder Wataru Endo.

The hosts nearly went ahead when Ueda just missed a threatening cross to the far post in the games first notable chance.

Brazil punished them as a fluid passing sequence freed Henrique and the Zenit St Petersburg striker converted with finesse.

Martinelli extended the lead shortly after by blasting the ball beyond goalkeeper Zion Suzuki following a deft lofted pass from Lucas Paqueta.

Japan clawed one back seven minutes into the second half as Minamino seized a loose ball from Fabricio Bruno and fired it past Hugo Souza.

The home team levelled when Nakamura nudged the ball in at the near post off a major deflection from the unlucky Bruno.

Ueda struck the crossbar soon after before heading Japan into the lead a minute later with a powerful effort.

Brazil sought a route back but Japan handled their pressure with ease and might have scored more.