The key facts

  • Japan beat Brazil 3:2 in a friendly at Singapore National Stadium
  • Vinicius Junior scored a brace, equalizing after 0:2
  • Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored the winning goal in the first minute of stoppage time

Dramatic Victory for Japan in Singapore

The Japan national team beat Brazil 3:2 in a friendly match held at Singapore National Stadium. The winning goal in the first minute of stoppage time was scored by substitute Tatsuhira Sakamoto: the ball ricocheted to him on the right side of the penalty area, and the winger sent it into the top left corner with his right foot.

Course of the Match

Japan quickly took a 2:0 lead. In the 15th minute, Ritsu Doan won the ball at the halfway line and set up Takefusa Kubo, who struck with his left foot into the bottom right corner. Four minutes later, Shuto Nakano crossed from the right flank to Keito Nakamura, who calmly beat Brazil goalkeeper Pedro Morisco. Brazil responded in the 33rd minute: Vinicius Junior, after a pass from Bruno Guimaraes, hit a long-range shot into the top left corner. At halftime the score remained 2:1 in Japan's favor. After the break, the Brazilians kept pressing and equalized in the 75th minute: Vinicius received a short corner routine from Guimaraes, cut past Yukinari Sugawara and struck so that the ball hit the frame of the goal and crossed the line.

Sendings-Off and Outcome

At the moment of Japan's winning goal, the Brazilians were protesting an alleged foul against Joao Gomes in the build-up to the attack. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti and forward Raphinha were sent off. The victory went to Hajime Moriyasu's team, while Brazil was left without points despite two spectacular goals from Vinicius. This match became Japan's second victory over Brazil: the first was won in October 2025, while at the 2026 World Cup they lost to the South Americans.