Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu told his players to celebrate their 3-2 friendly win over Brazil on Tuesday but warned it would paint a target on their backs at next year’s World Cup.
Japan claimed its first win over Brazil after roaring back in the second half to stun Carlo Ancelotti’s side in Tokyo.
Japan has never gone beyond the last 16 at a World Cup, but Moriyasu has said they are aiming to lift the trophy in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
They beat Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and Moriyasu said their victory over Brazil would be felt around the world
“I want the players to celebrate this result, but strong teams will pay us more attention from now on,” he said.
“Beating top teams like Brazil in official competitions requires progress and caution, and I want the players to build on the confidence they have gained from today’s result.”
Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli scored as Brazil turned on the style in the opening 45 minutes, four days after thrashing South Korea 5-0 in Seoul.
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But Japan hit back after the break with goals from Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakamura, and Ayase Ueda, sending the crowd of almost 45,000 wilds.
It was Japan’s first win over Brazil in 14 attempts.
“Beating Brazil can have a big impact on us going into the World Cup,” said Nakamura.
“We still have games to play in November and March, and we want to keep this going.”
It was Brazil’s second defeat since the Italian Ancelotti took over in May, following a 1-0 away loss to Bolivia in World Cup qualifying.
Ancelotti said his team needed better balance but vowed to continue experimenting with his line-up before the World Cup.
“We need to learn from the mistakes we made in the second half,” said Ancelotti.
“I think the biggest problem was not having a good reaction to the first mistake.”
Ancelotti shuffled his line-up from the team that hammered South Korea, dropping goalscorers Estevao and Rodrygo to the bench along with Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha.
Martinelli and Luiz Henrique came in to partner with Vinicius Junior up front.
Japan was missing several injured regulars, including Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo.
Brazil opened the scoring when a slick passing move sent Paulo Henrique clear, and the Vasco da Gama defender finished in style.
Martinelli made it two just minutes later when he smashed the ball past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki after Lucas Paqueta had found him with a clever chipped pass.
Japan pulled one back seven minutes into the second half when Minamino pounced on a loose ball by Fabricio Bruno and blasted it past Hugo Souza.
“That goal was the start of our comeback, and it’s great that it led to the win,” said Minamino.
The hosts grabbed an equalizer when Nakamura turned in the ball at the back post, via a heavy deflection from the hapless Bruno.
Ueda then hit the crossbar before putting Japan in front a minute later with a bullet header.
Brazil tried to find a way back into the game, but Japan dealt comfortably with their attacks and could have added to their own tally.
“It was a friendly, but it’s not easy to beat Brazil,” said Moriyasu.
“Our players worked hard, and we are trying every day to improve the level of the team.
“The players work for the team and for the country, and they showed that today.”
AFP
