Brazil took command of their friendly in Japan this evening with two quick-fire goals in the first half.

The visitors rode their luck before going ahead through Paulo Henrique after 26 minutes and Gabriel Martinelli doubled their advantage five minutes later.

The early stages were a tactical battle with both teams struggling to find any fluency – perhaps not surprising in Brazil’s case with coach Carlo Ancelotti making eight changes to the team that won 5-0 in South Korea on Friday.

Vinicius Jr was operating as a false nine and struggled to make much of an impression with Brazil lacking much attacking threat.

Ueda spurns chance to hurt Brazil

Indeed, Japan ought to have taken the lead after 20 minutes. Brilliant play by Ritsu Doan created the opportunity, Takumi Minamino left it for Ayase Ueda but he put his shot wide.

It was to prove a costly miss as Brazil scored from their next opening.

Henrique started the move with a pass to Bruno Guimaraes, who after completing a one-two with Martinelli, played it back for the Fluminense forward to fire home.

It was 2-0 shortly afterwards, Lucas Paqueta lifting the ball over the Japan defence for Martinelli to fire past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki with his left foot.

Doan had Japan’s first shot on target towards the end of the first half but it did not trouble Brazil goalkeeper Hugo Souza.