Late Sakamoto winner sees Japan stun Brazil 3-2 in friendly; Ancelotti, Raphinha shown red cards

Japan strike early in Singapore

Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura scored in the opening 19 minutes to give Japan a 2-0 lead. Brazil appealed for a foul in the build-up to Japan’s first goal, but VAR upheld the decision.

Protests lead to red cards

Raphinha and Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti were shown red cards after protesting a referee’s decision. Ancelotti said the referee cited his failure to control the bench and players entering the field.

Ancelotti said the referee’s performance affected the result, while also saying he did not blame the official. He described the game as high-level and said the referee lacked experience handling that kind of match.

Raphinha apologised for his behaviour and dismissal. He said he believed Japan’s first goal involved a handball and that Brazil should have received a first-half penalty; he added that he understood why the first claim was not given under the current law.

A significant win for Japan

The victory came months after Japan’s World Cup round-of-32 exit against Brazil in June. Gabriel Martinelli scored in stoppage time to complete a 2-1 comeback win for Brazil.

Ancelotti, 58, is expected to step down after Brazil’s friendly against Paraguay on Tuesday. He said he looked forward to handing over to successor Go Oiwa.