Ancelotti and Raphinha Sent Off as Japan Stuns Brazil 3-2 in Singapore
Brazil suffered a 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan in Singapore after a stoppage-time winner, sparking chaos that saw coach Carlo Ancelotti and Raphinha sent off.
A dramatic friendly match between Brazil and Japan in Singapore ended in a stunning 3-2 victory for Japan, marred by a chaotic finish that saw Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and star player Raphinha both sent off.
The tension boiled over after Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored Japan's winning goal in stoppage time. Brazilian players furiously surrounded referee Jansen Foo Chuan Hui, protesting that Takumi Minamino had fouled Joao Gomes in the buildup. The local official allowed the goal to stand, and the VAR system declined to intervene.
The situation escalated as members of the Brazil bench rushed onto the pitch to join the protests. Ancelotti received a red card for failing to control his substitutes and staff, while Raphinha, who had already been substituted earlier in the match, was also dismissed for dissent.
Speaking after the final whistle, Raphinha criticized the officiating while offering an apology for his reaction. "First of all, I want to apologize for my behavior and for the red card. Sometimes it is hard to control yourself after so many refereeing mistakes," the Barcelona winger told reporters. He claimed his side was disadvantaged by several decisions, adding, "It is very hard when you play against the referee. We need to improve, but we cannot ignore what happened here."
Coach Ancelotti also voiced his frustration with the match official. "The referee gave me a red card because he claimed I could not control the bench and all the players were on the field," Ancelotti explained, suggesting that the referee lacked the necessary experience to handle a match of such magnitude.
Earlier in the encounter, Brazil found themselves in deep trouble within the opening 20 minutes after goals from Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura gave Japan a comfortable cushion. Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior mounted a stellar comeback for the Selecao, netting a brilliant brace to level the score at 2-2. However, Sakamoto had the final say, securing a historic and dramatic victory for Japan and leaving the frustrated South Americans empty-handed. Brazil will face Singapore on Tuesday without the suspended Raphinha.
