Japanese football players celebrate after winning the Kirin Challenge Cup match against Brazil on October 14, 2025, in Tokyo. Photo: VCG

The Japanese national football team pulled off a stunning second-half comeback to beat five-time World Cup winners Brazil 3-2 at the Kirin Challenge Cup in Tokyo on Tuesday, claiming their first-ever victory over the South American powerhouse.

Brazil looked to be in control at half time after goals from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli gave them a comfortable 2-0 lead. But Japan, energized after the half-time break, turned the tide, forcing a series of errors from Brazil's defense and with clinical finishing of their own. 

The fightback began in the 52nd minute when Takumi Minamino punished a misplaced pass by Fabricio Bruno, slotting home from close range. Just nine minutes later, Bruno's night worsened as he diverted a clearance into his own net, leveling the score. 

With momentum firmly on Japan's side, the decisive moment came in the 71st minute. Junya Ito, introduced as a substitute, delivered a precise corner that Ayase Ueda met with a powerful header past Brazil's keeper. Despite late Brazilian pressure, Japan held on to seal a historic win. 

Japan's 3-2 win over Brazil also triggered reflection among many Chinese football fans, who bemoaned the slow progress of domestic football development. 

The Chinese national team has yet to announce a permanent head coach after being eliminated from the World Cup Asian qualifiers in June. 

China's only World Cup appearance came in 2002, where they suffered a 4-0 defeat to Brazil in the group stage. It was also Brazil who handed China their heaviest-ever defeat, an 8-0 loss in 2012.