Japan delivered one of the most dramatic results of the international friendly calendar on Saturday, defeating Brazil 3-2 in Singapore after substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto struck in stoppage time to settle a contest that had swung between the two sides.
The late winner completed a remarkable recovery for Japan, who surrendered a two-goal advantage after Brazil’s Vinicius Junior scored twice to bring the South Americans level. The result gave the Samurai Blue a memorable victory in front of 38,688 spectators at the National Stadium.
Japan seized control early, scoring twice within four minutes. Takefusa Kubo opened the scoring in the 15th minute after collecting Ritsu Doan’s through ball inside the Brazilian half. He cut inside defender Jair before driving a low shot beyond goalkeeper Pedro Morisco.
Keito Nakamura doubled the advantage in the 19th minute. Shuto Nakano created the opening with a forceful run down the right before delivering a cross that found Nakamura unmarked. The forward calmly guided his right-footed effort into the bottom corner.
Brazil struggled to contain Japan’s early pace but gradually found their footing. Vinicius reduced the deficit in the 33rd minute with a superb finish into the top corner after goalkeeper Zion Suzuki had denied Estevao.
Suzuki then produced further important saves, keeping out Brazilian debutant Andre shortly before half-time and captain Raphinha after the restart.
Brazil’s pressure eventually produced an equaliser in the 75th minute. Vinicius cut in from the left and sent a low right-footed shot towards goal. The ball struck the right post before crossing the line, completing his brace and restoring parity.
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The South Americans appeared capable of completing the turnaround. Substitute Endrick rattled the crossbar, while Joao Gomes sent another effort narrowly wide.
Japan, however, found the decisive opening deep into stoppage time. Kodai Sano’s effort took a deflection and fell into Sakamoto’s path. The substitute reacted quickly, firing past Morisco to secure his first international goal and Japan’s victory.
Brazil protested that a foul had occurred during the build-up, but the video assistant referee upheld the goal. The confrontation over the decision ended with Raphinha and head coach Carlo Ancelotti receiving red cards for their protests.
Beyond the result, the match carried significance for Japan’s coaching transition. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who is expected to leave after Tuesday’s friendly against Paraguay, described the performance as the finest of his eight-year tenure.
“I’m happy that I can say that today’s match was the best match in my eight-year tenure,” Moriyasu said.
He added that Japan had shown against Brazil what they could not achieve when the teams last met at the World Cup in June, when the South Americans won 2-1 in the round of 32.
Moriyasu said his attention was now on handing responsibility to expected successor Go Oiwa.
Ancelotti, meanwhile, maintained that Brazil had played well for much of the encounter despite the defeat. He identified the team’s poor opening spell as a major weakness but praised the intensity and approach of his young squad.
For Japan, the victory offered more than a favourable friendly result. It provided Moriyasu with a memorable final chapter against one of international football’s most decorated sides, while giving his successor a timely platform as the team prepares for its next phase.
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