SINGAPORE: Japan claimed a historic and thrilling 3–2 victory over five-time world champions Brazil in an action-packed international friendly at the National Stadium in Singapore on Saturday. Substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto struck a dramatic winner in the first minute of stoppage time to seal revenge for Japan’s Round of 32 exit against the Seleção at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Hajime Moriyasu’s side flew out of the blocks, catching Brazil’s high defensive line off guard with two clinical goals inside the opening 20 minutes. In the 15th minute, Ritsu Dōan threaded a pass to Takefusa Kubo, who cut inside defender Jair Cunha and fired a low finish past goalkeeper Pedro Morisco. Just four minutes later, Shuto Nakano surged down the right flank and squared the ball for an unmarked Keito Nakamura to double Japan’s advantage.
Stung by the early deficit, Brazil responded through Vinícius Júnior. In the 33rd minute, the Real Madrid forward latched onto a pass from Bruno Guimarães and unleashed a ferocious strike into the top corner past Japanese keeper Zion Suzuki to pull one back before halftime.
Brazil pressed relentlessly after the interval, with Suzuki making crucial saves to deny André and Raphinha. The breakthrough arrived in the 75th minute when Guimarães once again set up Vinícius Júnior, who drifted inside from the left and curled a stunning effort that deflected off both posts before crossing the line to level the score at 2–2.
Brazil nearly completed the comeback in the closing stages when substitute Endrick rattled the crossbar from distance. However, it was Japan who had the final say in the 91st minute. After Kodai Sano’s shot from the edge of the box deflected favorably into the penalty area, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto reacted quickest, lifting a composed finish over Morisco.
Chaos ensued at the final whistle as Brazilian players surrounded the referee, furious that a perceived foul by Takumi Minamino on Bruno Guimarães in the build-up went unpunished. VAR upheld the goal, and amid heated protests from the touchline, both Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti and substituted captain Raphinha were shown straight red cards. The victory marks only Japan’s second-ever win against Brazil and extends their winning streak in friendlies to five matches.
