Despite Vinicius' stunning goal and brace, Japan beat Brazil! (Video)

14.11.26 FT Friendly International

Japan

3

:

Brazil

2

Vinicius Junior struck twice to haul Brazil level after a disastrous start, but Japan won 3-2 in added time as Ancelotti and Raphinha were sent off.

Brazil endured a dramatic opening fixture of the November international break against Japan at Singapore’s National Stadium on Saturday, November 14. Carlo Ancelotti’s side were stunned early on as Takefusa Kubo scored in the 15th minute and Keito Nakamura doubled Japan’s advantage just four minutes later (19th). Brazil were 2-0 down before the game was twenty minutes old.

Vinicius Junior sparks Brazil's comeback

With the Seleção struggling, Vinicius Junior produced a moment of individual brilliance. In the 33rd minute, the Real Madrid forward received the ball around twenty metres from goal, turned into space and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner. His spectacular strike gave Brazil renewed hope before half-time (2-1).

Vinicius was not finished. In the 75th minute, he scored again to bring Brazil level at 2-2, completing a remarkable personal comeback. Ancelotti's side suddenly looked capable of turning the game around, yet the defensive vulnerabilities exposed in the opening exchanges remained.

Sakamoto wins it late as Ancelotti and Raphinha see red

Japan had the final say. Second-half substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored the winner in stoppage time (90+1) to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory. Vinicius's brace had dragged Brazil back into contention, but it ultimately counted for nothing in the final result.

The closing moments were further overshadowed by angry protests over the build-up to Japan's third goal. Carlo Ancelotti and Raphinha were both sent off following their complaints, adding more frustration to an already painful defeat for Brazil.

For the Seleção, Vinicius's quality offered a bright spot, but the match raised fresh questions about the team's defensive balance. Brazil face Singapore on November 17 in their next friendly.

Goalscorers: Japan - Takefusa Kubo (15'), Keito Nakamura (19'), Tatsuhiro Sakamoto (90+1'); Brazil - Vinicius Junior (33', 75').

Read also : AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Three matches on Saturday's schedule!

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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