Japan’s Sakamoto secures last-gasp 3-2 friendly win over Brazil

SINGAPORE: Japan’s Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored a stoppage-time goal to snatch a 3-2 friendly win over Brazil in Singapore on Saturday, avenging their World Cup defeat despite Vinicius Jr’s double.

Hajjime Moriyasu’s side stunned Brazil early, capitalizing on defensive lapses to take a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes through Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura.

Vinicius ignited Brazil’s comeback with a stunning strike in the 33nd minute, collecting the ball outside the penalty area and unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

The Real Madrid winger equalized in the 75th minute when he latched onto a Bruno Guimaraes pass following a corner, skipped past his marker and curled an effort in off the post.