Japan lost to Brazil 3-1 in the opening match of their two-game women’s football friendly series against Brazil in Sao Paulo on Friday.
The team, nicknamed Nadeshiko Japan, currently fifth in the FIFA world rankings, lost for the first time in five matches since new manager Nils Nielsen took over last December.
Brazil’s Dudinha (C) battles for the ball against Japan’s Saki Kumagai (R) and Toko Koga during their women’s football friendly match in Sao Paulo on May 30, 2025. (AP/Kyodo)
Eighth-ranked Brazil, who will host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, led 2-0 by halftime at Neo Quimica Arena, with Dudinha scoring in the 28th and 42nd minutes.
Kerolin made it 3-0 in the 55th minute before Japan got one back in the 89th minute through Brighton attacker Kiko Seike.
The two teams will meet again Monday.
In February, Japan won the four-nation SheBelieves Cup in the United States.
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AloJapan.com