Sakamoto strikes late as Japan beat Brazil despite Vinicius double

Japan defeated Brazil 3-2 in Singapore on Saturday after Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored in stoppage time, settling a friendly in which Vinicius Junior had brought Brazil back from two goals down. Flashscore reported that the substitute finished after a deflected shot fell into his path, denying Brazil a draw after their second-half recovery.

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Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura had given Japan an early two-goal advantage. Kubo scored after being released by Ritsu Doan, while Nakamura finished following a delivery from Shuto Nakano. Brazil responded through Vinicius, whose long-range strike cut the deficit before half-time. Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki also stopped an effort from Andre as Brazil sought an equaliser.

Vinicius scored again after the interval to make it 2-2, but Brazil could not turn their comeback into victory. According to UOL's match report, Endrick subsequently struck the crossbar after moving the ball onto his left foot outside the penalty area. Sakamoto then provided the decisive finish at the other end in added time.

The closing stages also brought dismissals for Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and Raphinha, who had already been substituted. UOL reported that their protests concerned an alleged foul by Takumi Minamino on Joao Gomes earlier in the move leading to Japan's winner. The goal stood. The report described the incident as a disputed foul, rather than establishing that an infringement had occurred.

The result followed two contrasting recent meetings between the teams. The Japan Football Association's account of their rivalry records Japan's 3-2 victory in October 2025 as their first win against Brazil. Japan had overturned a two-goal half-time deficit on that occasion. Brazil then won 2-1 in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, ending Japan's tournament in Houston.

Brazil arrived in Singapore with a squad reflecting Ancelotti's preparations for the next World Cup cycle. The JFA reported that his 26-player selection included 15 footballers aged 23 or younger alongside established attackers Vinicius and Raphinha. Saturday's defeat came despite two goals from Vinicius, with Japan finding the final breakthrough after Brazil had erased their early advantage.