Japan stun Brazil with stoppage-time winner in Singapore friendly

Japan produced a famous 3-2 victory over Brazil in Singapore on Saturday after substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored in stoppage time, despite Vinicius Junior netting twice for the South American side.

Japan made a rapid start and opened up a two-goal lead inside the first 20 minutes. Keito Nakamura struck first before Takefusa Kubo added a second to put the hosts in control.

Brazil began to recover 10 minutes before half-time, when Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior fired home to reduce the deficit.

Vinicius then completed his brace with 15 minutes remaining, bringing Brazil level and leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s side searching for a winning goal.

Ancelotti introduced Endrick in place of Raphinha as Brazil sought greater attacking threat, but Japan delivered the decisive moment in the first minute of added time. Sakamoto found the net to seal a memorable win for the Asian side.

Brazil disputed the goal, claiming there had been an unpunished foul on Joao Gomes at the beginning of the move.

The match ended in further controversy after Ancelotti and Raphinha confronted the referee following the final whistle. Both the Brazil player and coach were shown red cards.