Brazil coach Dunga made just the one change from his side that defeated Argentina last Saturday: Gil made his debut for Brazil, replacing the injured David Luiz. In the midfield, Elias lined up next to Luiz Gustavo.
Brazil’s first good move of the game came after eleven minutes. Japan kept most men behind the ball. Neymar dropped deep for Brazil and played a one-two with Diego Tardelli, but couldn’t get a clear sight of goal.
Neymar then took control of the game, hitting the bar from a free-kick before opening the score form a defence-splitting Tardelli pass in the 17th minute. Minutes later Neymar nearly added a second, but his shot flashed wide.
Japan got their first sight of goal after Gil missed a clearance, but Kobashi’s spectacular volley missed the target by inches.
After Neymar’s little cameo, the pace of the game dropped. Brazil had possession and Japan sat back.
Dunga had promised he would use his substitutes and he did so during the interval, bringing Mario Fernandes, Philippe Coutinho and Everton Ribeiro for Danilo, Oscar, and Willian.
In the second stanza, Brazil got off to a lively. Philippe Coutinho treaded a neat a ball to Neymar with the Japanese defense playing too high of a line. Brazil’s number remained calm and slotted the ball past Kawashima to double Brazil’s lead.
Neymar nearly got a third, in a game that was increasingly becoming a one-man-show, but as he cut inside in the box, he ballooned his shot over the bar.
Diego Tardelli was then thanked for his services as he made way for Robinho. The Santos player got an excellent chance after 70 minutes, but curled his effort wide.
As Brazil looked for a third, Souza and Kaka came on for Luiz Gustavo and Kaka. The Sao Paulo made an immediate impact. He headed against the bar, Coutinho’s followup attempt was pushed into the path of Neymar by the Japanese goalkeeper and Neymar added a third.
And the Neymar show had not finished yet. His fourth goal in the 40th minute was very much a team effort though. Robinho and Kaka combined on the left and Neymar was on hand to head home Kaka’s cross to make it 4-0.
Okazaki threatened late on with a header, but Jeffferson got his fingertips too it to prevent.
