Japan secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over five-time World Cup champions Brazil in an international friendly in Singapore on Saturday, with substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scoring a stoppage-time winner after Vinicius Junior had brought the South Americans back from two goals down.

The Samurai Blue took an early lead through Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura before Brazil’s Vinicius scored twice to level the contest. However, Sakamoto struck in the 91st minute to hand Japan a memorable victory at the National Stadium.

Japan opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Kubo collected a pass from Ritsu Doan, advanced towards goal and fired a low shot past Brazilian goalkeeper Pedro Morisco.

Four minutes later, Japan doubled their advantage. Shuto Nakano delivered a cross from the right, which Nakamura controlled before placing his finish into the net to make it 2-0.

Brazil responded in the 33rd minute through Vinicius, who unleashed a powerful long-range effort into the top corner after Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki had made a save from Estevao.

The Real Madrid forward completed his brace in the 75th minute, cutting in from the left before sending another impressive effort into the net to bring Brazil level at 2-2.

Brazil pushed for a third goal, with substitute Endrick hitting the crossbar as the South Americans sought to complete their comeback.

But Japan had the final say in the closing moments. A deflected effort from Kodai Sano fell into Sakamoto’s path, allowing the substitute to lift the ball over Morisco and secure the 3-2 win.

The late goal sparked protests from the Brazilian camp, which disputed a possible foul in the build-up. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti and forward Raphinha, who had already been substituted, were sent off following their protests.

The victory marked Japan’s second win over Brazil in 16 meetings, according to reports from Singapore’s CNA. It also provided a measure of revenge after Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in their previous meeting at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match was part of the Mizuho Blue Challenge, an international friendly tournament involving Japan, Brazil, Singapore and Paraguay.

Japan are scheduled to face Paraguay next, while Brazil will take on Singapore on November 17.