Soccer-Japan's Sakamoto secures last-gasp 3-2 friendly win over Brazil


Soccer Football - Mizuho Blue Challenge - Japan v Brazil - National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore - November 14, 2026 Japan's Tatsuhiro Sakamoto celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates REUTERS/Jeremy Lee

Nov 14 (Reuters) - Japan's ⁠Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored a stoppage-time ⁠goal to snatch a 3-2 friendly ‌win over Brazil in Singapore on Saturday, avenging their World Cup defeat despite Vinicius Jr's ​double.

Japan seized control early through ⁠goals from Takefusa ⁠Kubo and Keito Nakamura, but Vinicius led ⁠Brazil's ‌response, pulling one back before halftime and equalising after ⁠the break.

The game appeared headed for a ​draw ‌until Sakamoto struck to secure a ⁠memorable victory ​for Hajime Moriyasu's side.

Tempers flared after the winner, with Brazil's manager Carlo Ancelotti ⁠and forward Raphinha sent ​off for protesting after the Brazilians appealed for a foul on Joao Gomes in ⁠the build-up.

The victory carried added significance for Japan, who suffered a heartbreaking exit against Brazil in the World Cup ​round of 32 ⁠in June. Brazil needed a stoppage-time winner ​from Gabriel Martinelli to ‌secure a 2-1 comeback ​victory.

(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)

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