Japan beat Brazil 3-2 in Tokyo after comeback, first win in fixture

Japan produced a dramatic second half comeback to beat Brazil 3-2 in a friendly at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium on Tuesday, overturning a two-goal deficit to secure the first victory in the fixture's history. The hosts rallied after halftime to extend their unbeaten run at home to 21 matches and hand Brazil a surprise defeat on the final night of the South American side's Asian tour.

Brazil took control in the first half with goals from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead at the break. That advantage evaporated after the interval when Japan capitalized on defensive lapses and a rising crowd to stage the turnaround. Takumi Minamino pulled one back early in the second half after a mistake in Brazil's back line. Keito Nakamura then levelled around the hour mark when a shot into the box was diverted off a Brazil defender and into the net. Ayase Ueda completed the comeback with a header from a Junya Ito corner in the 71st minute.

The match featured several high-profile changes to Brazil's lineup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had rotated heavily after his side's 5-0 win over South Korea four days earlier, fielded a largely altered XI in Tokyo. Those...