Substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored in the first minute of added time as Japan beat Brazil 3-2 in an international friendly at Singapore's National Stadium on Saturday 14 November. Vinícius Júnior had wiped out a two-goal deficit with two long-range strikes, and Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti and captain Raphinha were both sent off after the winner.
Match facts
- Result: Japan 3-2 Brazil (half-time 2-1)
- Competition: international friendly, Mizuho Blue Challenge – The Kallang Football Series, matchday 2
- Venue: National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore
- Kick-off: 18:15 local time
- Scorers: Japan – Takefusa Kubo 15', Keito Nakamura 19', Tatsuhiro Sakamoto 90+1'; Brazil – Vinícius Júnior 33', 75'
- Sent off: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti and Raphinha, both 90+2'
- Captains: Ritsu Doan (Japan), Raphinha (Brazil)
- Next for Japan: Paraguay, Tuesday 17 November, same venue
How the match unfolded
Hajime Moriyasu's side started at speed. According to The Straits Times, Doan's through ball sent Kubo clear for a 15th-minute opener into the bottom corner. Four minutes later Shuto Nakano's delivery from the right found Keito Nakamura, who beat goalkeeper Pedro Morisco to make it 2-0.
Brazil, whose starting line-up had an average age of 24 according to The Straits Times, answered through the Real Madrid forward. Moments after Zion Suzuki had saved from Estêvão, Vinícius fired in from outside the area in the 33rd minute. CNA reported that Ancelotti protested on the touchline when a 43rd-minute penalty claim for a challenge on Raphinha was turned down.
Vinícius levelled in the 75th minute with another strike from distance that went in off the post. Substitute Endrick then hit the crossbar as Brazil pushed for a winner.
Late drama in Singapore
Japan had the final say. Sakamoto, on as a second-half substitute, scored in the 91st minute after Japan won the ball back. NBC Sports reported that Brazil believed Guimarães had been fouled in the build-up. Both Ancelotti and Raphinha were shown red cards a minute later, and The Straits Times reported that Singaporean referee Jansen Foo dismissed the Brazil coach for going onto the pitch to protest.
What the result means
The win gives Japan a measure of revenge for the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, when Brazil beat them 2-1. CNA reported that it was only Japan's second victory over Brazil in 16 meetings.
Japan finish their Singapore games against Paraguay on Tuesday. Elsewhere in this international window, the Netherlands beat Greece 7-0 and Germany won 3-1 in Serbia in the Nations League.