The winning goal was however slow to come and was only scored thanks to a penalty, whistled for a foul on Arana and converted in the 77th minute by Neymar, who was also incisive and enterprising in this meeting he played until the end.
The Seleçao signs its fifth victory in a row and remains undefeated for almost a year and its defeat against Argentina in the Copa America final on July 11, 2021. It goes on for a 13th match without defeat, and remains undefeated against Japan (7 wins, 2 draws).
Neymar scored his third goal from the penalty spot in two selection matches, after his double last Thursday in Seoul against South Korea (5-1 victory).
After the first twenty minutes where not much happened, except all the same a sublime heel from the 2nd minute from Neymar for Paqueta whose shot crashed on the right post of Gonda's goals, Brazil has decided to accelerate.
The Seleçao then obtained several clear chances, and the Japanese goalkeeper had to pull out all the stops, deflecting attempts from Raphinha (19th) or Neymar (27th and 42nd).
In the opposing cage, Alisson had almost nothing to do.
In the second half, the "Blue Samouraï" showed themselves to be more enterprising, notably obtaining a great opportunity in the 72nd minute when the ball centered from the right at ground level by Nagatomo in front of Alisson's goal was deflected in extremis by the foot of a Brazilian defender.
Neymar scores the penalty for Brazil's victory against Japan in a friendly match on June 6, 2022 in Saitama CHARLY TRIBALLEAU AFP
But Brazil still had control of the ball and won a penalty when left-back Arana, trying to take back a ball pushed back by Gonda on a first shot from Neymar, was jostled in the area.
Neymar, with a perfect counterpoint, transformed it, for his 74th goal for the Brazil team, approaching three lengths from Pelé's record (77 goals).
© 2022 AFP