After a rocky World Cup qualifying campaign, hopes currently aren’t the highest for Brazil heading into next summer’s competition.

But Newcastle fans will be watching Carlo Ancelotti’s side with much anticipation and excitement as Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton each have a big claim to being in the final squad.

Bruno in particular has a strong case to start for the Seleçao after he’s been putting in some career-best displays for his country since his initial call up back in 2020.

And there was more to marvel at on Tuesday as our captain could hold his head high despite Brazil’s eventual defeat against a less-fancied Japan side.

Bruno bags another assist before shock comeback

In the XI from the start, Bruno once again partnered Manchester United’s Casemiro in holding midfield, with Joelinton again on the bench in Tokyo.

After earning major praise for his wonderful assist for Estevao in Brazil’s 5-0 rout of South Korea on Friday afternoon, Bruno once again played provider  for Paulo Henrique to net the opener, which you can watch below:

JOGAAAA BONITOOOO!!!! 🇧🇷🥶

Bruno Guimarães with another one of his signature passes to Paulo Henrique! pic.twitter.com/X4d0uEoJq6

— Brasil Football 🇧🇷 (@BrasilEdition) October 14, 2025

A pinpoint pass that found Henrique in plenty of space behind the Japanese defence, we can only hope to see something as good put on a plate for Anthony Elanga in our next league match against Brighton.

But despite Bruno’s excellent performance, one that will have as front runner to start in midfield for Brazil at the next World Cup, they ended up on the receiving end of a comeback as Japan rallied from 2-0 down to eventually win 3-2.

Joelinton finally got his first minutes of the international break, replacing Bruno just before the hour mark while Brazil were still 2-1 up, but even he was unable to reverse the momentum.