Agency, Nov 14: Japan secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Brazil in an international friendly at the National Stadium in Singapore on Saturday, with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scoring a stoppage-time winner.
Japan made a flying start, taking a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes. Takefusa Kubo opened the scoring in the 15th minute after capitalising on a Brazilian defensive mistake, before Keito Nakamura doubled Japan’s advantage four minutes later with a clinical finish from Shuto Nakano’s delivery.
Brazil responded through Vinicius Junior, who reduced the deficit in the 33rd minute with a spectacular long-range strike into the top corner.
The Real Madrid forward continued to lead Brazil’s comeback efforts, restoring parity in the 75th minute with another brilliant finish following a short-corner routine assisted by Bruno Guimaraes.
Brazil came close to completing the turnaround when substitute Endrick struck the crossbar, but Japan had the final say.
Sakamoto, who came off the bench, scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute to seal a memorable victory for the Asian side.
The late goal sparked protests from Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti and winger Raphinha, who had already been substituted, over a suspected foul in the build-up. Raphinha was sent off following the incident.
The result marked another impressive performance from Japan against the five-time world champions, following their historic 3-2 comeback victory in October 2025.
Japan will take confidence from the win, while Brazil will look to respond in their next international friendly against Singapore on Tuesday.
