When Rodrygo Goes, forward of Real Madrid Club de Fútbol and Vinícius Júnior, fellow Real Madrid forward, stepped onto the pitch in Seoul, the atmosphere felt electric – Brazil was finally back with two of its brightest attacking talents after months on the sidelines.
The South Korea friendly on October 10, 2025, was the first of two Asian tests announced by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, also manager of the Brazil national football team. Four days later the Seleção would travel to Tokyo to face the Japan national team, a match scheduled for October 14 at the Japan National Stadium.
Why the squad reshuffle mattered
Brazil entered the October window with a bruised lineup. Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior was ruled out with a left‑thigh tear that doctors say won’t heal before early November, while Alisson Becker, Marquinhos and Raphaël Dias Belloli (Raphinha) missed out due to various injuries.
That opened a spot for Rodrygo, who hadn’t worn the yellow shirt since a 4‑1 loss to Argentina on March 25, 2025, and for Vinícius, who was omitted from the September World Cup qualifying squad. Their return signaled a shift: Ancelotti wanted to test depth ahead of the 2026 qualifiers and to give the injured stars a breather.
South Korea showdown – a 5‑0 thriller
During Brazil vs South Korea friendlySeoul World Cup Stadium, the Seleção blew the visitors away. Brazil struck first in the 12th minute, but the game really opened up after the half‑hour mark.
Estevão Willian netted a brace, and Rodrygo added two more – his first international goals – while Vinícius capped the night with a cool finish in the 78th minute. The final whistle read 5‑0, a scoreline that left the South Korean crowd stunned and the Brazilian bench buzzing.
Post‑match, Rodrygo told reporters: “It felt like an eternity being away from the national team. Finally getting my head straight and showing what I can do for the Seleção is amazing.” He also praised Ancelotti, noting the coach’s aura adds “greater credibility” when the opponent sees a manager of his stature on the sidelines.
Tokyo awaits – what to expect against Japan
The Japan friendly is shaping up to be a tactical chess match. Japan’s coach, Hajime Moriyasu, favors a high‑pressing 4‑2-3‑1 that could test Brazil’s backline, especially with the likes of Éder Gabriel Militão only just returning from a knee injury.
Analysts expect Brazil to keep the 4‑3‑3 formation that worked in Seoul, with Vinícius cutting in from the left, Rodrygo providing pace on the right, and Gabriel Martinelli supporting as a secondary striker. If the trio repeats their Seoul chemistry, a double‑digit goal haul isn’t out of the question.
Injuries and the ever‑shifting roster
Besides the high‑profile absences, Brazil also had to manage a slew of minor niggles. Goalkeeper Bento (Club Athletico Paranaense) earned his first senior call‑up, while Wesley of FC Porto was a surprise inclusion on the left flank.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid in particular saw a record twelve players on international duty across eight nations – a testament to the club’s global reach but also a logistical headache. The Spanish giants fielded Mbappé for France, Courtois for Belgium and, of course, Vinícius and Rodrygo for Brazil. Their combined minutes this week helped keep match fitness high but risked fatigue ahead of La Liga’s crucial October fixtures.
What the friendlies mean for Brazil’s World Cup road
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the friendlies serve two purposes: fine‑tuning the starting eleven and gauging depth. Ancelotti admitted after the Seoul game that “many of these players will be at the World Cup, but this list also takes into account recent injuries.” The message is clear – if Neymar isn’t fit by November, the coach already has a proven alternative in Rodrygo and Vinícius.
Fans and pundits alike are watching whether the 5‑0 drubbing translates into a psychological edge for the upcoming South American qualifiers. The last thing Brazil wants is a surprise loss that could jeopardise a top‑seed finish.
Key takeaways
- Rodrygo and Vinícius returned to the Brazil squad after months out, scoring three of five goals in Seoul.
- Brazil beat South Korea 5‑0; the match showcased the attacking depth beyond Neymar.
- Injuries forced the exclusion of Neymar, Alisson, Marquinhos and Raphinha, prompting younger players to step up.
- The Tokyo friendly will test Brazil’s defensive organization under Ancelotti’s 4‑3‑3 system.
- Performance in Asia will heavily influence squad selections for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Neymar's injury affect Brazil's attacking options?
With Neymar sidelined until at least November, Brazil relies on Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior and Gabriel Martinelli to provide pace and creativity. The recent 5‑0 win shows the trio can produce goals, but the team still misses Neymar’s play‑making nuance, especially in tight matches.
What are the chances Brazil will field a different lineup against Japan?
Coach Ancelotti hinted at rotation to protect players returning from injury. Expect a back‑four featuring Militão, Gabriel Magalhães, and possibly a debut for Douglas Santos, while the front line will likely keep Vinícius and Rodrygo together.
Why did Real Madrid have so many players on international duty this month?
Real Madrid’s squad is heavily international – nine of the club’s players were called up for Brazil, France, Belgium, Turkey, Austria, Argentina and Morocco. The club’s recent success in domestic and European competitions has boosted its players’ profiles, leading to more call‑ups during the October FIFA window.
When does Brazil start its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign?
The South American qualifying round kicks off on March 23, 2026, with Brazil facing Bolivia in their opening match. The friendlies in Seoul and Tokyo are meant to finalize tactics and assess squad depth before that date.
How did the South Korean fans react to Brazil's 5‑0 victory?
Despite the loss, many South Korean supporters praised Brazil’s attacking flair and called for their own team to adopt a more aggressive style. Local media highlighted the need for tactical adjustments ahead of upcoming Asian qualifiers.
Mike Laidman
October 11, 2025 AT 03:40Rodrygo and Vinícius contributed decisively to Brazil's 5‑0 victory in Seoul.
J T
October 11, 2025 AT 09:13Man, those two lit up the pitch-what a show! 😎