What an assist from Bruno Guimaraes but somehow it ends Japan 3 Brazil 2 | OneFootball

Bruno Guimaraes starting for Brazil against Japan.

Tuesday’s friendly in Tokyo, Joelinton starting the game on the bench.

Brazil starting the match strongly and in command.

After 26 minutes a lovely move by Brazil with Bruno Guimaraes at the heart of it, eventually his stunning through ball (watch below) playing in Paulo Henrique to finish sweetly.

Six minutes later and this time Bruno’s mate Lucas Paqueta with a brilliant pass, his ball over the top releasing Martinelli to finish.

Brazil in complete control heading into the second half but then Fabricio Bruno having a nightmare. On 52 minutes the Brazil defender fell over as he tried to play the ball out, leaving Minamino with the simplest of finishes past the keeper.

On 57 minutes a triple substitution by Carlo Ancelotti, seeing Joelinton for Bruno Guimaraes one of the three changes.

Five minutes later and a right wing cross found Nakamura beyond the far post and his shot back across goal was helped into his own net by Fabricio Bruno as he tried to clear.

A remarkable turnaround then completed, when in the 71st minute a left wing corner was headed home by Ueda, a feeble challenge from Brazil defender Beraldo.

Joelinton almost rescuing a draw when in the sixth minute of added time, his right footed shot from outside the box was saved in the top right corner by keeper Zion Suzuki.

Japan understandably ecstatic when the final whistle went, winning 3-2 against Brazil. Ancelotti’s side had looked so good the opening 50 minutes when attacking, then experiencing a defensive nightmare and somehow losing this game they had been in control of.

From a Newcastle United point of view, one good thing is that Bruno Guimaraes was subbed after 57 minutes. Plus of course that Joelinton got a chance to get on the pitch for Brazil.

However, I think a bit much that Carlo Ancelotti has started Bruno in all four Brazil matches these past five weeks or so. Two World Cup group qualifiers in September after Brazil had already qualified, plus friendlies now against South Korea and Japan.

Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton now with the long journey back to Tyneside ahead of Brighton away on Saturday.

This is the October 2025 international schedule for Newcastle United players:

Thursday 9 October

England 3 Wales 0

Anthony Gordon with an excellent first half, as did most of his teammates. England roared into a 3-0 lead after only 20 minutes and then as the game went on, they coasted to victory and countless subs made. Gordon the only one of the front six to play the full game, whilst Dan Burn an unused sub.

Friday 10 October

South Korea 0 Brazil 5

A world class assist from Bruno Guimaraes setting up Estevao to score the opener in this friendly. Joelinton remaining on the bench for the entirety of the game, Bruno subbed off on 79 minutes.

Germany 4  Luxembourg 0

An excellent team performance with Nick Woltemade leading the line for Germany.

The Newcastle United striker didn’t score himself but led the line so well, with link up play and his all round game helping to deliver a commanding victory in this World Cup group qualifier.

Sweden 0 Switzerland 2

Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga watching on from the bench as this must win World Cup group qualifier ended in defeat.

Sweden standing next to no chance now of appearing at the 2026 finals.

With three group games still left to play, Sweden eight points behind Switzerland.

Estonia 1 Italy 3

Sandro Tonali bossing this World Cup group qualifier, rated man of the match across the Italian media and Football Italia perfectly summing up his brilliant performance…

‘Italy had a few strong performers tonight but the Newcastle United man was in a league of his own today. Harking back to the iconic Italian centre-mids of yore, the 25-year-old showed his class this evening.’

Monday 13 October

Northern Ireland 0 Germany 1

What a moment for Nick Woltemade to get his first goal for Germany in this World Cup group qualifier. The only goal of the game as the Newcastle United striker rises highest to head (‘slight’ suspicion it came off his shoulder…) home in the 31st minute. A tough night in Belfast, a real battle, but Germany now in such a strong position top of their group with only two games to play, only the group winners will automatically qualify for the 2026 finals. Nick Woltemade putting in a 92 minute shift and only subbed off in the dying seconds.

Sweden 0 Kosovo 1

An embarrassing home defeat for Sweden and left bottom of the table with one point after four games and only two matches left to play. Anthony Elanga named on the bench for this World Cup group qualifier and watched on as Sweden trailed 1-0 at half-time, though it could have been 2-0 as Kosovo also hit the post. Elanga one of three subs made at the break and he sparked Sweden belatedly into life, putting a series of quality crosses in but Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak wasting chance after chance.

Japan 3 Brazil 2

A brilliant pass from Bruno Guimaraes set up the opening goal but somehow Brazil ending up losing this friendly after leading 2-0. Bruno replaced by NUFC teammate Joelinton on 57 minutes as part of a triple substitution when Brazil 2-1 up. A defensive nightmare from those at the back for all three Japan goals. Joelinton almost rescuing a draw in the final seconds but his effort from outside the box saved in the top corner.

Italy v Israel (Sandro Tonali) World Cup group qualifier

Latvia v England (Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn) World Cup group qualifier