Japan beats Brazil 3-2 in Singapore; Raphinha, Ancelotti sent off
Vinicius Junior twice pulled Brazil level, but Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored the winner in the 90+1 minute.
Japan beat Brazil 3-2 in a FIFA friendly at Singapore National Stadium on Saturday in a match that ended in a heated finish. Japan’s goals came from Takefusa Kubo in the 15th minute, Keito Nakamura in the 19th, and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto in the 90+1 minute. Brazil fought back with two goals from Vinicius Junior in the 33rd and 75th minutes.
Japan raced to a 2-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes before Vinicius cut the deficit before halftime and then equalized in the second half. As the match appeared headed for a draw, Sakamoto pounced on the ball in front of goal to secure Japan’s win.
After the late goal, tempers flared on the touchline. Brazil captain Raphinha was sent off after protesting the referee’s decision, as was coach Carlo Ancelotti.