Neymar scored, Brazil struggled to beat Japan

In the World Cup 2022, the Japanese team is in the same group with world football giants like Spain or Germany. To prepare for the biggest tournament on the planet, Japan decided to invite Brazil to a friendly match – a team they have never won in history. This is considered a valuable test for the ambition of the leading Asian team.

Brazil entered the game with an attacking mindset from the start to take advantage. In the 10th minute, Fred had the opportunity to open the scoring, but the shot sent the ball too high over the goal. Raphinha and Casemiro also missed many good situations in the first 45 minutes.

The game in the second half did not change too much. Brazil is still the team that controls the game with consecutive opportunities being created. Meanwhile, Japan played decisively with many foul situations all over the field to limit Brazil’s ability to attack. This style of play is somewhat effective, but also contains harmful effects.

In the 75th minute, the Brazilian player was fouled by Japan in the penalty area. On the 11-meter mark, Neymar scored to set the score for Brazil. Notably, the PSG star has scored in all 5 matches against Japan since 2012 with a total of 9 goals. In a friendly match in October 2014 in Singapore, Neymar set up poker to help Brazil crush Japan 4-0.

The minimal defeat against Brazil shows that Japan’s defense is somewhat better than Korea’s. However, the level gap between the two teams, in a broader view of the two continents’ football, is still too far. Japan will have to prepare better for the 2022 World Cup.

Official lineup

Japan: Shuichi Gonda, Maya Yoshida, Kou Itakura, Yuta Nakayama, Yuto Nagatomo (Miki Yamane), Genki Haraguchi (Daichi Kamada), Takumi Minamino (Ritsu Doan), Wataru Endo, Ao Tanaka (Gaku Shibasaki), Kyogo Furuhashi (Daizen) Maeda), Junya Ito (Kaoru Mitoma).

Brazil: Alisson, Éder Militão, Marquinhos Marcos Aoas Correa, Guilherme Antonio Arana, Dani Alves (Thiago Silva), Casemiro Carlos Henrique (Fabinho), Fred (Richarlison), Neymar, Lucas Paquetá (Bruno Guimarães), Vinícius Júnior (Gabriel Martinelli) , Raphinha (Gabriel Jesus).