SINGAPORE : Japan’s Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored a stoppage-time winner to earn a dramatic 3-2 victory over Brazil in a friendly on Saturday, avenging their World Cup defeat despite a double from Vinicius Jr.
Japan made a flying start, taking control through goals from Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura to put Brazil under early pressure.
Vinicius pulled one back before halftime and completed Brazil’s comeback after the break, bringing the five-time world champions level and setting up a tense finish.
The match appeared destined for a draw before Sakamoto struck in stoppage time to seal a memorable victory for Hajime Moriyasu’s side.
Tempers flared after the decisive goal, with Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and forward Raphinha sent off for protesting against the referee. The Brazilians had appealed for a foul on Joao Gomes in the build-up to Japan’s winner.
The victory was particularly sweet for Japan, who suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the World Cup round of 32 in June.
Brazil had overturned a deficit in that encounter before Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner to send Japan out of the tournament.
