Japan stun Brazil with dramatic late winner in five-goal Singapore thriller

Japan secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Brazil in an international friendly in Singapore on Saturday, scoring a stoppage-time winner to avenge their FIFA World Cup defeat earlier this year.

According to ESPN⁠, the Samurai Blue made a flying start at the National Stadium, taking a two-goal lead inside the opening 19 minutes through Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura.

However, Brazil responded through Vinícius Júnior, who produced an outstanding individual performance to score twice and restore parity with 15 minutes remaining.

Just when the contest appeared destined to end in a draw, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto struck in the 91st minute with a close-range finish to hand Japan a memorable victory.

The defeat sparked frustration among Brazil’s players and coaching staff, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti and captain Raphinha both sent off following an angry confrontation with referee Jansen Foo over an incident in the build-up.

The result offered Japan revenge for their heartbreaking World Cup elimination against Brazil.