Japan beat Brazil 3-2 as late winner sparks red cards for Raphinha and Ancelotti

Japan defeated Brazil 3-2 in a dramatic friendly in Singapore on Saturday, with substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time. Brazil captain Raphinha and manager Carlo Ancelotti received red cards for their protests after the late winner was allowed to stand.

Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura gave Japan a 2-0 lead inside the opening 19 minutes at the National Stadium. Vinicius Jr then scored twice to bring Brazil level, but Sakamoto settled the contest in front of 38,688 spectators. He reacted to Kodai Sano’s deflected effort and fired home for his first goal at international level.

Brazil argued that a foul had occurred in the build-up to Sakamoto’s strike, but a VAR review upheld the goal. Ancelotti appeared surprised by his dismissal. Midfielder Marlon Gomes and team officials led Raphinha away as he attempted to approach referee Jansen Foo, who was confronted by Vinicius and Bruno Guimaraes.

Speaking at a news conference, Ancelotti said the referee had dismissed him for failing to control the bench after players went onto the field. Despite his disappointment with the defeat, the manager said Brazil had performed well for 70 minutes and that some players making their first appearances had shown quality. He also argued that the officiating had affected the result, while suggesting the referee lacked the experience required for a match of that level.

Raphinha apologised for his behaviour and dismissal but remained critical of the refereeing. He said he had struggled to stay calm because of decisions he considered incorrect and felt the referee had been unwilling to discuss his concerns. The captain questioned Japan’s opening goal, saying an opponent had used his hand to take the ball from him, although he acknowledged why a foul might not have been awarded under the current law.

The forward also disputed the rejection of a first-half penalty appeal and said Joao Gomes had clearly been fouled before Japan’s winner. His complaints followed a result that held particular significance for Japan after their World Cup elimination by Brazil in June. In that last-32 encounter, Gabriel Martinelli scored in stoppage time to complete Brazil’s 2-1 comeback victory.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu described Saturday’s performance as the best match of his eight years in charge. He said Brazil had increased their intensity after falling behind and praised his players for responding at the highest international standard. Moriyasu expressed hope that performances like this would translate into World Cup victories.

The 58-year-old is expected to leave his post after Japan’s friendly against Paraguay on Tuesday. He said his focus was now on handing responsibility to his successor, Go Oiwa.