Brazil still far from their samba rhythm: Japan exposes Ancelotti's growing pains

Brazil continues to live in the shadow of its own legend. Not just since Carlo Ancelotti took charge, but for years now. The last time Selecao lifted the World Cup trophy was back in 2002 - an eternity for a footballing empire that once danced its way across the globe. Since then, they've conquered South America three times, but on the world stage, disappointment has been their constant companion.

The deepest wound came in 2014, at home, when Germany handed Brazil a humiliation that still echoes - that infamous 1-7 in Belo Horizonte. Eleven years later, and the scars are still visible.

Ancelotti's Brazil is still under construction. Against South Korea in Seoul just days ago, the Selecao looked radiant again, scoring five goals for the first time in five years. But in Tokyo on Tuesday, the sparkle faded fast. Japan turned the friendly into a painful lesson, winning 3-2 and reopening old doubts.

The Italian manager rotated heavily from the side that dazzled in Seoul. Only Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior kept their spots. Gabriel Martinelli led the attack, flanked by Lucas Paqueta and Luiz Henrique. That front line worked to perfection, at least early on. Two beautiful moves in the 26th and 32nd minutes ended in goals by Paulo Henrique and Martinelli. Brazil's attack was alive.

But the defence? It collapsed.

Carletto's new Brazil dances in the rain: Rodrygo and Vini smash Korea

Japan, patient and disciplined in the first half, flipped the script after the break. Takumi Minamino pounced on a dreadful mistake by Fabricio Bruno to make it 1-2. Then Keito Nakamura ghosted in unmarked to equalise, before Ayase Ueda rose highest on a corner in the 71st to complete the comeback.

Ancelotti's experimental back line, with debutant goalkeeper Hugo Souza and the shaky Fabricio Bruno, never recovered. Compared to the solid display in Seoul with Bento, Militao and Douglas Santos, this was a step backward.

The frustration was visible. Fabricio Bruno slammed the turf in anger after his blunder, fully aware he may have just cost himself a place in Ancelotti's long-term plans.

Brazil doesn't lack talent. It lacks continuity, composure, and that old samba certainty. The next few months will tell whether Carlo Ancelotti can restore the rhythm - or if the Selecao will arrive in North America still searching for its beat.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

Japan - Brazil 3-2 (0-2)

/Minamino 52, Nakamura 62, Ueda 71 - Henrique 26, Martinelli 32/