Japan defeated Brazil 3-2 in a thrilling friendly match held at the National Stadium in Singapore, with substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time.
The match saw Japan take an early lead with goals from Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura within the first 19 minutes. Kubo opened the scoring in the 15th minute, skillfully navigating around Jair to slot a low shot past Brazilian goalkeeper Pedro Morisco. Nakamura quickly doubled the advantage, finishing a cross from Shuto Nakano with a precise strike into the bottom corner.
Brazil responded with a stunning goal by Vinicius Junior in the 33rd minute, who capitalized on a rebound after Japan’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made a crucial save. Vinicius’s effort found the top corner, reigniting Brazil’s hopes.
Despite Japan’s attempts to maintain their lead, Vinicius struck again in the 75th minute, equalizing with a low shot that hit the post before going in. Brazil came close to securing the win when substitute Endrick hit the crossbar, but they ultimately fell short.
The match took a dramatic turn in stoppage time when Sakamoto found the net after a deflected effort from Kodai Sano. Despite Brazilian protests for a foul in the buildup, the goal was upheld following a VAR review. The situation escalated, resulting in red cards for Raphinha and manager Carlo Ancelotti due to their protests.
Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who is set to step down after their next friendly against Paraguay, called the match the best of his eight-year tenure, expressing optimism about the team’s future.
Ancelotti acknowledged the performance of his young team, noting that despite the loss, they played well for most of the match.
