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Japan stunned Brazil with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory in their international friendly in Singapore, recovering from a two-goal deficit to secure a memorable win over the five-time world champions.
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Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura gave Japan a dream start with goals in the 15th and 19th minutes, but Vinicius Junior struck twice, including a superb long-range effort in the 75th minute, to bring Brazil level.
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Sakamoto emerged as Japan’s hero after scoring the decisive 91st-minute winner, sparking furious protests from the Brazilian players and technical crew over an alleged foul on Joao Gomes during the build-up.
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Carlo Ancelotti and Raphinha were both sent off following their angry reactions to Japan’s winning goal, as Brazil suffered their second 3-2 defeat to the Samurai Blue in the space of 18 months.
November 14, (THEWILL) – Japan recorded a stunning 3-2 win over Brazil in a friendly match at the National Stadium in Singapore on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti and forward Raphinha both sent off following angry protests over the winning goal to ensure a dramatic end to the encounter.
Japan enjoyed a dream start to the encounter, taking a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes through Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura.
Kubo opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Nakamura doubled Japan’s advantage four minutes later, putting Brazil under early pressure.
Vinicius Junior reduced the deficit in the 33rd minute with a stunning long-range effort to give his side hope before the break.
Zion Suzuki produced a stunning save to deny Raphinha after the break.
Vinicius restored parity in the 75th minute with another superb strike from outside the penalty area to make it 2-2.
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Endrick almost snatched victory for Brazil but his effort hit the crossbar before Japan netted the winner.
Sakamoto capitalised on a loose ball inside the Brazilian penalty area before lifting his effort over the goalkeeper to hand Japan a dramatic 3-2 advantage.
However, the goal sparked angry reactions from the Brazilian players and technical crew, who believed Japan should have been penalised for a foul on midfielder Joao Gomes during the build-up.
Ancelotti was furious with the decision and entered the pitch to confront the match officials, earning a red card for his protests.
Raphinha, who had already been substituted in the 71st minute, was also sent off after expressing his displeasure towards the officials.
It was Brazil’s second 3-2 defeat to Japan in the past 18 months after an identical scoreline in a friendly last year.
Japan will face Paraguay in their next friendly on November 17, while Brazil are scheduled to take on Singapore on the same day.
