Japan 1-3 Brazil: 5 Talking Points
Brazil continued their fine form post the World Cup qualifiers with a clinical attacking display in a facile 3-1 defeat of Japan in the neutral venue of Stade Pierre-Mauroy in France.
PSG starlet Neymar took the initiative from the spot, before missing another just six minutes later. However, it was the only blot on an otherwise perfect evening for the Canaries, as Marcelo and Gabriel Jesus piled on with a goal apiece, thereby taking a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
Tomoaki Makino pulled one back for Japan, but it was too little too late as the Samba Boys sauntered to another victory. Here are the major talking points from the friendly:
#5 Brazil continue to ride the wave of confidence
Brazil's qualification to Russia 2018 seemed to slip away from their clasp in the blink of an eye as just two victories from the opening six qualifying games set the alarm bells ringing. A subsequent group stage exit at the Copa America Centenario literally opened the Pandora's box, as Brazil seemed to have hit the lowest of the lows in years.
Out went Dunga and in came Tite. And so did the happy days for Brazil football team. Not only did they successfully revive themselves, but finished the qualification at the pole position.
Some subtle tactical tweaks, coupled with the revival of some stellar names lifted Brazil out of the lurch. And here they are, just a year on from the calamity, steamrolling past every hurdle on their way.
Against Japan too, the Latin-American behemoths shimmied down the opposition half as if laced with rollerskates.
The fiery attacking display had the Asians by the short and curlies and comprehensively rode their way to a victory. A bland second-half may force you into second thoughts, but the team had finished the work that they came for, well before the half-time whistle.
The five-time world champions will once again enter the World Cup as favourites, and the dress rehearsals for the same have begun, and on an encouraging note at that.