Japan secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over five-time world champions Brazil in an international friendly in Singapore on Saturday, November 14, despite two goals from Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
Substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored a stoppage-time winner to seal the victory for the Samurai Blue after Brazil had fought back from a two-goal deficit to level the match.
Japan made a flying start, taking the lead in the 15th minute through Takefusa Kubo, who received a pass from Ritsu Doan before driving towards goal and beating goalkeeper Pedro Morisco with a low finish.
Four minutes later, the Japanese doubled their advantage. Shuto Nakano delivered a cross from the right flank, which Keito Nakamura converted to put his side 2-0 ahead.
Brazil responded through Vinicius Junior in the 33rd minute. The forward collected a pass from Bruno Guimaraes outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner, reducing Japan’s lead to 2-1 before half-time.
The Brazilian side continued pushing for an equaliser after the break, with goalkeeper Zion Suzuki making important saves to preserve Japan’s advantage.
Vinicius eventually restored parity in the 75th minute, cutting inside from the left before curling a shot that went in off the post to make it 2-2.
Brazil subsequently threatened to complete the comeback, with substitute Endrick striking the crossbar. However, Japan had the final say in stoppage time when Sakamoto capitalised on a loose ball following a deflected effort from Kodai Sano to score the winning goal.
The goal sparked protests from Brazilian players and officials, who argued that a foul had been committed on João Gomes during the build-up. The referee upheld the goal, while Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti and forward Raphinha were sent off following their protests.
The victory marked Japan’s second win over Brazil, following their previous 3-2 triumph in October 2025. It also provided a measure of revenge after Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his players for their performance, saying the victory demonstrated their ability to compete against top international teams.
Brazil will look to recover from the defeat when they face Singapore, while Japan are scheduled to meet Paraguay in their next friendly.
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