Japan Secures Dramatic 3-2 Stoppage-Time Victory Over Brazil Amidst Red Cards for Ancelotti and Raphinha

In a thrilling friendly match at the National Stadium in Singapore, Japan achieved a shock 3-2 victory over Brazil, decided by a dramatic stoppage-time winner. Substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored his first international goal to seal the win after capitalizing on a deflected effort from Kodai Sano.

Japan had initially taken a commanding 2-0 lead within the first 19 minutes through goals from Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura. However, Brazil fought back with a brilliant brace from Vinicius Jr, leveling the score at 2-2.

The match ended in chaos as Brazil's forward Raphinha and manager Carlo Ancelotti were both shown red cards for protesting a VAR-upheld goal in stoppage time. Raphinha was led away by midfielder Marlon Gomes and team officials while Vinicius and Bruno Guimaraes confronted referee Jansen Foo. Carlo Ancelotti later explained that he was sent off for failing to control the bench and allowing players onto the field.

Following the match, Raphinha apologized for his behavior but remained critical of referee Jansen Foo, citing several perceived refereeing errors, including a missed penalty and a foul on Joao Gomes during the winning goal's build-up.

The victory was particularly significant for Japan, following a heartbreaking stoppage-time loss to Brazil in the World Cup last 32 in June, where Gabriel Martinelli had scored the winner. Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu described the match as the best of his eight-year tenure, praising his players for performing at a world-class standard. Moriyasu, who is expected to step down after a friendly against Paraguay on Tuesday, noted he is now focusing on handing over the team to successor Go Oiwa.