Japan defeated five-time world champions Brazil 3–2 in an international friendly in Singapore on Saturday, scoring a late winner after the South Americans fought back from two goals down to level the encounter.
The Samurai Blue took a commanding 2–0 lead within the opening 19 minutes through Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura before Brazil forward Vinicius Junior inspired a second-half fightback with a brace.
Kubo opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finishing a move set up by Ritsu Doan, before Nakamura doubled Japan’s advantage four minutes later from a cross by Shuto Nakano.
Brazil reduced the deficit in the 33rd minute when Vinicius found the net with a long-range effort, assisted by Bruno Guimaraes, to make it 2–1 before the break.
The Real Madrid forward struck again in the 75th minute, scoring another long-range goal, with Guimaraes once more providing the assist, to bring Brazil level at 2–2.
Brazil pushed for a winner after drawing level, but Japan had the final say when substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored in the 90th minute to restore the hosts’ lead and seal a 3–2 victory.
The late goal sparked protests from Brazilian players and officials, who disputed the circumstances surrounding the build-up.
Brazil captain Raphinha was sent off during the closing exchanges following the confrontation.
The result handed Japan another notable victory over the South American giants, having also beaten Brazil 3–2 in October 2025.
