Japan vs Brazil – international friendly match: preview, predictions and line-ups

Brazil’s tour of Far East Asia in October ends on Tuesday with a friendly against Japan in Tokyo.

Carlo Ancelotti’s fifth game in charge of the Seleção was arguably his most impressive, as his side ran riot in a 5-0 victory over South Korea. Chelsea star Estêvão and Real Madrid star Rodrygo scored twice before Vinícius Júnior continued the momentum with Brazil’s fifth goal.

It was a comforting victory for Ancelotti’s men after an unimpressive World Cup qualifying campaign which ended in a 1-0 defeat to Bolivia. Brazil finished fifth, having lost a third of their 18 qualifying matches, but that was enough to secure their place at next summer’s tournament.

Japan were among the first nations to confirm their place in North America, after dominating the AFC qualification process.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side drew 2-2 with Paraguay in their first friendly of the October break and are looking to secure their first-ever victory against Brazil on Tuesday.

Hereby Sports Illustrated guide to confrontation.

Japan vs Brazil head-to-head record (last five matches)

Current form (all competitions)

Captain Wataru Endō was called up to Moriyasu’s squad for their October friendlies, but was ruled out of the 2–2 draw against Paraguay due to an unspecified injury. The Liverpool midfielder has since withdrawn from the Japan camp and will return to Merseyside ahead of the weekend’s clash against Manchester United.

Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka will likely continue in midfield for the hosts, with Moriyasu expected to make few changes from Friday’s side, although they needed a late equalizer to secure a draw.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ritsu Doan and Takumi Minamino form a dynamic tandem behind striker Kōki Ogawa, who scored the late goal. Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton & Hove Albion has not been called up.

Japan predicts lineup against Brazil (3-4-2-1): Z.Suzuki; Seko, Watanabe, J. Suzuki; Ito, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Doan, Minamino; Ogawa.

After Tuesday’s friendly match, Brazil only has four matches scheduled before the start of the World Cup.

So, Ancelotti will likely opt for continuity here and name a starting XI similar to the one in the emphatic win over South Korea. There are no new injury problems.

Real Madrid duo Rodrygo and Viní Jr are expected to remain in Ancelotti’s squad, although a managerial change could force the former into a wider role. Richarlison’s inclusion could allow Matheus Cunha to become Brazil’s number 10.

Gabriel Martinelli is hoping to earn minutes in Tokyo, after impressing for Arsenal between the two international breaks.

Brazil predicted lineup against Japan (4-2-3-1): Bento; Vitinho, Militao, Gabriel, Santos; Guimarães, Casemiro; Rodrygo, Cunha, Vinícius; Richarlison.

Brazil was excellent on Friday, but this Japanese team represents an increase in quality. They have been Asia’s class for a while, even if they are missing a superstar like Son Heung-min.

However, the hosts almost managed to lose to Paraguay in their previous outing and need to improve if they want to be competitive here. Ancelotti, after an unconvincing start, hopes the victory in Seoul will serve as a trigger for his reign. He described it as “a foundation.”

If they play with boldness and freedom like they did last time, it’s hard to envisage anything other than a comfortable away triumph.

Prediction: Japan 1–3 Brazil

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