Video: Vinicius ends goal drought with brace as Japan beat Brazil 3-2
Abdullateef Fowewe
Vinicius Junior scored twice with spectacular long-range strikes to drag Brazil level from two goals down, yet Japan still claimed a 3-2 victory in an international friendly at the National Stadium on Saturday, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto.
Video: Vinicius ends goal drought with brace as Japan beat Brazil 3-2
Japan took a commanding early lead through Takefusa Kubo in the 14th minute and Keito Nakamura four minutes later.
Vinicius pulled one back with a fierce drive into the top corner in the 32nd minute and equalized in the 74th or 75th minute with another brilliant effort that went in off the post.
Sakamoto then struck late to secure the win for the hosts.
The result marked Japan’s second consecutive 3-2 friendly triumph over Brazil.
The match ended in controversy as Brazilian players and staff protested the circumstances of the winning goal, leading to red cards for Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and captain Raphinha.
The brace ends a notable scoring drought for the Real Madrid forward.
It was Vinicius’s first goals for Brazil since September and his first since late August for his club, where he has managed just one goal this season amid growing scrutiny over his form.
The 26-year-old has faced criticism in Spain for a quiet start to the campaign with Los Blancos.
His two goals against Japan — both from outside the box and full of the quality that made him one of the world’s elite attackers — offered a strong response and a boost in confidence during the international break.
Brazil, featuring a mix of established stars and newer faces, showed resilience in recovering from the early setback but ultimately fell short.
The friendly forms part of Japan’s preparations under outgoing coach Hajime Moriyasu and Brazil’s ongoing work under Ancelotti.
Endrick and others came off the bench as Brazil pushed for a winner after the equalizer, but Japan held firm before delivering the decisive blow.
While the defeat will sting for the five-time world champions, Vinicius’s individual display stands as the clearest positive, signaling a potential return to his best form at a key moment in the season.
