International Friendly | 14 November 2026
Singapore National Stadium
By Dr. Talal Osman
Japan delivered a memorable 3–2 victory over Brazil in an international friendly at Singapore National Stadium, with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time. Japan Strike Early
Japan approached the match with confidence and punished Brazil early. Takefusa Kubo opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finishing after being released by Ritsu Doan. Only four minutes later, Keito Nakamura doubled Japan’s advantage, making it 2–0 after 19 minutes.
Brazil were suddenly facing a serious test.
However, Vinícius Júnior pulled Brazil back into the contest in the 33rd minute. Japan therefore went into halftime leading 2–1
Brazil Fight Back
Brazil pushed for an equalizer after the break and eventually found it through Vinícius Júnior in the 75th minute. His second goal of the match brought Brazil level at 2–2 and appeared to put the momentum firmly behind the South American side.
The statistics reflected Brazil's greater share of possession. ESPN recorded Brazil with 58% possession, compared with Japan's 42%, along with 513 passes to Japan's 377. Brazil also registered six shots on target compared with Japan's four.
Yet Japan stayed alive.
Sakamoto Delivers the Final Blow
Then came the defining moment.
In the 90+1st minute, Kodai Sano's attempt from outside the area was blocked, with the ball falling for Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, who finished to put Japan 3–2 ahead. The goal was confirmed following a VAR review.
Brazil's frustration boiled over moments later, with Raphinha shown a red card in the 90+2nd minute.
Final Score: Japan 3–2 Brazil
Goals
- 15' – Takefusa Kubo, Japan
- 19' – Keito Nakamura, Japan
- 33' – Vinícius Júnior, Brazil
- 75' – Vinícius Júnior, Brazil
- 90+1' – Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Japan
For Japan, this was a performance built around efficiency and the ability to respond when Brazil appeared capable of completing the comeback. Brazil controlled more of the ball, but Japan converted the moments that mattered most.
Full Time: Japan 3–2 Brazil
Match Report by Dr. Talal Osman
Sports Writer | Researcher | Football Analyst
