Japan struck deep into stoppage time to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory over five-time world champions Brazil in the Mizuho Blue Challenge – The Kallang Football Series Singapore at the National Stadium on Saturday (14 November).
Tatsuhiro Sakamoto emerged as the hero for the Samurai Blue, scoring the decisive goal after Brazil had fought back from two goals down through a brace from Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior.
The victory, witnessed by 38,688 spectators, was only Japan’s second over Brazil in 16 meetings and offered some revenge for their 2-1 defeat to the South Americans in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It was also a fitting result for outgoing Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who will conclude his eight-year tenure following Tuesday’s (17 November) encounter against Paraguay.
Japan made a blistering start, taking the lead in the 15th minute when captain Ritsu Doan played Takefusa Kubo through on goal. The Real Sociedad midfielder kept his composure and placed a low, left-footed shot beyond Brazil goalkeeper Pedro Morisco.
The Samurai Blue doubled their advantage just four minutes later. Shuto Nakano’s delivery from the right found Keito Nakamura unmarked inside the penalty area, and the winger took a touch before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
Brazil, who fielded a relatively youthful side featuring several inexperienced internationals, struggled to contain Japan’s energetic pressing in the opening stages.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men gradually grew into the contest, with Vinícius leading the fightback.
The Real Madrid forward had earlier created an opportunity for Estêvão, whose effort was denied by Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, before pulling a goal back in the 33rd minute with a superb strike from outside the penalty area.
Finding space between two Japanese defenders, Vinícius unleashed a powerful diagonal effort into the top corner to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Brazil continued to threaten after the break, with Suzuki producing another important save to deny Raphinha.
The five-time world champions eventually found their equaliser in the 75th minute, and it was Vinícius who delivered once again. The 26-year-old curled another long-range effort towards goal, with the ball striking the post before finding the back of the net.
Brazil nearly completed the turnaround four minutes later when substitute Endrick struck the crossbar, but Japan held firm.
With the contest seemingly heading towards a draw, substitute Sakamoto delivered the decisive moment in stoppage time.
A deflected shot from Kodai Sano fell kindly to the winger, who lifted the ball over Morisco to restore Japan’s lead and send the Japanese supporters into celebration.
The late winner sparked controversy, however, with Brazil protesting over an alleged foul on João Gomes in the build-up.
Singapore referee Jansen Foo subsequently showed red cards to Ancelotti and Raphinha, who had already been substituted, following the protests.
The result capped an entertaining encounter that showcased Japan’s attacking intensity and resilience against a Brazilian side still rebuilding under Ancelotti.
Moriyasu proud of Japan’s progress
Speaking after the match, Moriyasu praised his players for their determination and willingness to compete against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
“From the start, the players challenged aggressively, both in attack and defence, to win,” said the 58-year-old.
“They tried to correct and improve on what we learned from the World Cup, and to turn those past experiences into victory and growth for the future. I think that determination to keep fighting led to today’s win.”
Moriyasu admitted that Japan had struggled to regain control after Brazil equalised, but remained confident in his players’ ability to respond.
“When it became 2-2, I thought there was certainly a possibility we could be turned around,” he said.
“We were no longer creating many chances and the flow of the match was difficult for us. At the same time, I believed the players would keep fighting for victory until the end.”
The Japanese coach, who has overseen victories against several former world champions during his tenure, also hoped the result would inspire other Asian nations.
“I hope today’s intense, difficult and passionate match against Brazil gives people in Singapore and elsewhere in Asia a sense that, if Japan can compete in this way, other Asian countries can also take pride in their football and feel they can challenge the world,” he said.
Asked whether the victory ranked among his finest performances as Japan coach, Moriyasu acknowledged its significance despite the friendly status of the encounter.
“If we can reproduce a performance like today’s at the World Cup, it gives us a very positive image of what is possible,” he said.
“In that sense, I think this was one of our best matches.”
Ancelotti takes positives despite defeat
For Brazil head coach Ancelotti, the defeat highlighted areas requiring improvement, particularly his side’s defensive organisation.
The Italian acknowledged that Brazil’s attempts to press higher up the pitch had left them exposed to Japan’s attacking movement.
“We started well, but we failed with our defensive cover. The team was not well balanced, and we lost two duels,” he said.
“The defensive line did not move well. We tried to press higher up, but it did not work.”
Nevertheless, Ancelotti was encouraged by Brazil’s response after falling two goals behind, particularly the opportunities created during their second-half comeback.
“We created opportunities, played well with the ball and worked hard without the ball. So, in that respect, I am satisfied,” he said.
The former Real Madrid manager also expressed frustration over the officiating and his dismissal, saying the referee showed him a red card for allegedly failing to control his bench.
Despite the contentious finish, Ancelotti reserved praise for Japan and Moriyasu.
“Japan are a good team, a competitive team, at the highest level,” he said.
“His work was, and is, really good.”
Japan will look to end Moriyasu’s tenure on a high when they face Paraguay on Tuesday (17 November), while Brazil will seek to bounce back against hosts Singapore in the final matchday of the Mizuho Blue Challenge at the National Stadium.
