Tue Oct 14 10:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Brazil Look to Continue Momentum Against Japan After South Korea Thrashing

**Tokyo, Japan** – Riding high after a dominant 5-0 victory over South Korea, Brazil face Japan in a friendly match at the Ajinomoto Stadium on Tuesday at 6:30 am ET. The Selecao, under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, appear to be hitting their stride, showcasing a potent attack and a newfound defensive solidity.

The South Korea game saw standout performances from Estevao and Rodrygo, both bagging braces. Ancelotti’s simple yet effective approach has unlocked the potential of Brazil’s star-studded attack, which also features Vinicius Junior.

While Brazil are building momentum towards the 2026 World Cup, Japan, also World Cup-bound, are using these friendlies to fine-tune their squad. They drew 2-2 with Paraguay in their previous outing. Managed by the highly respected Hajime Moriyasu, Japan have proven capable of upsetting giants, evidenced by their victories over Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup. Their well-balanced 3-4-2-1 formation makes them a tough opponent to break down.

Japan will be without the injured Kaoru Mitoma, Brighton’s star winger, and Liverpool midfielder and Japan captain Wataru Endo is also a doubt. However, manager Moriyasu is expected to rotate his squad bringing in players like Kubo, Ueda and Kamada into the starting lineup.

Ancelotti’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system, with the fluid attacking quartet of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Estevao, and Matheus Cunha, coupled with the strong midfield partnership of Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro, gives Brazil a balanced look. The manager is expected to rotate some players, with Joelinton, Lucas Paqueta, Igor Jesus, Richarlison and Gabriel Martinelli potentially featuring.

Given Japan’s defensive solidity and Ancelotti’s anticipated squad rotation, the match is expected to be a closely contested one.

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