Substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored a stoppage-time winner as Japan defeated Brazil 3-2 in an international friendly at Singapore National Stadium on Saturday.
Takefusa Kubo opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Four minutes later, Keito Nakamura doubled the lead after a cross from Shuto Nakano. The Samurai Blue led 2-0 inside the first 20 minutes.
Brazil responded before the break. Vinicius Junior reduced the deficit in the 33rd minute with a long-range strike into the top corner. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki had earlier denied Estevao in a one-on-one situation.
After the interval, both sides created few clear chances. Then Vinicius Junior struck again in the 75th minute. He curled a shot from the left that hit both posts before crossing the line to make it 2-2.
Brazil pushed for a winner. Substitute Endrick hit the crossbar with a fierce effort. Meanwhile, Japan introduced several substitutes, including Tatsuhiro Sakamoto.
In the first minute of stoppage time, Sakamoto scored the decisive goal. He finished after a deflected shot from Kodai Sano fell into his path. The goal sparked protests from the Brazilian side, who claimed a foul by Takumi Minamino in the build-up.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti and captain Raphinha were both sent off for their protests to the referee. The result gave Japan a second straight 3-2 friendly win over Brazil. It also marked a measure of revenge after Brazil eliminated Japan 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup round of 32.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu later reflected on the contest. “Brazil’s intensity went up once we took the lead and it was all about what we could do then,” Moriyasu said. The match formed part of the Mizuho Blue Challenge series and drew 38,688 spectators.
