Neymar penalty kick earns narrow win gives victory to Brazil against Japan.
Brazil earned a 1-0 win in a friendly match against Japan in Tokyo on Monday, thanks to a penalty kick from Neymar.
Brazil dominated for large periods in the pouring rain at the New Japan National Stadium and squandered several goalscoring chances.
Neymar’s penalty kick finally broke the deadlock in the 77th minute.
The victory means the Selecao have won five consecutive games, and have not lost since July when they were beaten by Argentina in the Copa America final.
Both teams came into the came on the back of big wins last time out Thursday, with Japan thumping Paraguay 4-1, while Brazil went one better in beating South Korea 5-1.
Brazil almost took the lead inside two minutes as a neat play between Vinicius Junior and Neymar ended with the latter backheeling to Lucas Paqueta.
He hit the post after shooting across Shuichi Gonda in the Japan goal.
Japan had a brief period in the first half where they caused some problems for Tite’s side, with Takumi Minamino getting some joy between the lines.
But Brazil soon established their dominance as they created more chances.
Casemiro should have put the visitors ahead in the 26th minute but could only guide a header from a Raphinha free-kick over the crossbar.
Thereafter, Neymar had a shot parried away by Gonda and Raphinha bent a direct free-kick just wide of the left-hand post.
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus were introduced just after the hour and the Arsenal forward almost made an immediate impact.
But he could only guide his shot wide of the far post after the ball was cushioned down for him by Casemiro.
The hosts’ only real chance of note came in the 72nd minute, when Junya Ito fired over with a volley at the far post.
Brazil were awarded a penalty kick shortly after, when substitute Richarlison was fouled by Wataru Endo.
Neymar then sent Gonda the wrong way from the spot for them to win the game.
