Japan Score Twice Against Brazil in 20 Minutes

Japan scored twice within the opening 20 minutes against Brazil in their international friendly at the National Stadium in Singapore, taking a 2-0 lead through Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura.

Takefusa Kubo opened the scoring in the 15th minute after breaking forward and finishing with a well-placed left-footed shot just inside goalkeeper Pedro's left glove to make it 1-0.

Japan doubled their lead in the 19th minute when midfielder Keito Nakamura scored to make it 2-0. Shuto Nakano provided the assist for Nakamura's goal.

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Japan came close to extending their lead further when Daizen Maeda had an opportunity to score. Pedro saved his first attempt, before Maeda's second effort struck the post. Japan created some of the match's best scoring chances without dominating possession.

Brazil had the first threatening opportunity in the 10th minute. Estêvão attempted a shot inside the box after receiving a pass from Bruno Guimarães, but his effort went wide.

The match began with both teams looking to find their footing, with neither side taking control during the opening minutes.

Starting line-ups

Japan started with Zion Suzuki; Seko, Machida, Hiroki Ito, Nakano, Tanaka, Kamada, Nakamura, Doan, Kubo and Maeda.

Brazil's starting XI consisted of Pedro Morisco; Wesley, Jair Cunha, Gabriel Magalhães, Carlos Augusto, Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimarães, André, Estêvão, Raphinha and Vini Jr.

Substitutes

Japan's substitutes were Kokubo, Hayakawa, Sugawara, Soma, Itakura, Watanabe, Junnosuke Suzuki, Kodai Sano, Kaishu Sano, Minamino, Junya Ito, Yuito Suzuki, Sakamoto, Goto and Ogawa.

Brazil named Bento, Lucas Perri, Vanderson, Douglas Santos, Vitor Reis, Jonathan Jesus, Arthur Dias, João Gomes, Marlon Gomes, Gabriel Bontempo, Endrick, Alisson Santana, Allan and Rayan among their substitutes.

Head-to-head record

Brazil and Japan had met 15 times before the match. Brazil had won 12 encounters, drawn twice and lost once, scoring 39 goals against Japan's nine.

However, the teams had split their last two official meetings, according to the Japan vs Brazil head-to-head record and match centre. Japan won 3-2 in 2025, while Brazil secured a 2-1 victory in 2026.

Coaches' comments

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said his team needed to close the gap with Brazil and compete on equal terms.

"At the World Cup, Brazil showed us that there is still a gap between the two teams, and we need to close that distance. We shouldn't just look at Brazil as if they are on an entirely different level. We must compete on equal terms, believing that we can win.

"Ideally, we would win tomorrow, gain confidence from that victory, and develop an even greater desire to improve. But even if we don't achieve the result we want, being able to demonstrate our current capabilities against one of the best national teams in the world will provide us with a very valuable experience."

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said Japan had performed strongly against his side at the World Cup and would pose another difficult challenge.

"Japan competed very well against us at the World Cup. It was a difficult match, and it will be difficult again tomorrow, as they are very well-organized both defensively and offensively. We need competitive matches to develop and provide experience to our young players.

"In some other countries, I might have to push a bit to get people to wake up and watch the national team, but not in Brazil. Brazil will wake up tomorrow because they want to be close and support the national team, and the national team will play well.

"The priority is always the players' health. If they are 100%, they train; if they are 100%, they play. In this regard, we manage their playing time. Bruno didn’t train this week due to some discomfort, but he’s fine now and can play. For how long? I’m not sure. We’ll evaluate it; we always have all the necessary information to monitor their minutes, both in training and in matches.

"We also have a world-class support staff. Clubs can rest easy when it comes to the national team. Our top priority is the athletes' health. We always aim to return players in good condition, ready to play and free from injury."

Match officials

Jansen Foo Chuan Hui led the officiating team, assisted by Ashokraj Jeevaraja and Muhammad Syafiq bin Juffri. Muhammad Syarqawi Bin Buhari served as the fourth official, while Shadiq Al-Hussain was in charge of VAR.