Brazil loses 3-2 to Japan despite Vinicius brace with red cards for Ancelotti and Raphinha

SINGAPORE (AP) — Vinicius Jr.'s two impressive goals were not sufficient for Brazil to overcome Japan in a tense international friendly in Singapore on Saturday. The match concluded with red cards for Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and Raphinha, who was substituted during the game. Japan took an early two-goal lead, with Takefusa Kubo scoring in the 15th minute and Keito Nakamura extending the advantage four minutes later.

Vinicius Jr. equalized shortly after halftime and added a second goal in the 55th minute. However, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto sealed the victory for Japan in the first minute of stoppage time, taking advantage of a loose ball to score from close range. The Brazilian protests over a perceived foul led to Ancelotti and Raphinha receiving red cards. This marked Japan's second win over Brazil in 13 months and their first on foreign soil.