Brazil loses to Japan in women's football and sees its qualification threatened

Brazil faced Japan aiming to qualify early for the next round. The team led by Arthur Elias saw Brazil lose 2-1 in injury time, after having the advantage until the 44th minute of the second half.

The match was special for Marta, the number 10 completed 200 games wearing the Brazilian National Team shirt.

_{Marta receives tribute for her 200 games wearing the national team's jersey (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/@fifawomensworldcup)}

Lorena saves penalty in the first half

The first half was marked by opportunities for the Japanese team. Brazil had made six changes to the team that beat Nigeria in the first round, and coach Arthur Elias opted for a formation with three defenders. Japan, in turn, needed a victory after losing to Spain in the opening game.

Japan's big opportunity before the penalty came in the 18th minute, after the Japanese attack came out on the right side, Miyazawa rolled the ball to Tanaka, who missed a great opportunity in front of goal.

In the first half's injury time, left back Moriya tried to cross, the ball hit Rafaelle's hand and the referee called the foul. Tanaka hit it from the right side and Lorena saved the ball.

Brazil opens the scoring with Jheniffer

One of Arthur Elias' bets for the second half was to bring in Jheniffer, and Corinthians' number 11 opened the scoring for Brazil in the 11th minute of the second half. Marta made a beautiful pass to Ludmila, who had also come on in the second half, and the winger passed to Jheniffer, who opened the scoring in Paris.

_{Jheniffer puts Brazil ahead against Japan (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/@selecaofemininadefutebol)}

Japan tried to react, and once again Tanaka forced Lorena to make a beautiful save with the wrong hand.

Japan manages to turn the game around in injury time

The defeat left the Japanese team in a difficult situation in Group C, and the team went after Brazil looking for at least a draw. In injury time, the ball hit Yasmin's hand, and referee Rebecca Welch went to the VAR. After a few seconds of analysis, the penalty was awarded. Kumagai took the shot and tied the game for the Japanese.

Japan's second goal came from a misplaced pass by Brazil and culminated in a beautiful shot from Tanikawa from almost halfway to turn the game around. The Japanese player intercepted the pass and saw goalkeeper Lorena ahead.

Brazil is in a delicate situation in its group

So far, Brazil has fallen to third place in Group C. Spain and Nigeria are currently playing.

Brazil will need to beat the current world champions next Wednesday (31) to advance directly to the next phase.

Featured Photo: Japan defeats the Brazilian National Team at the Olympic Games (Reproduction/Instagram/@japanfootballassociation)