Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti and forward Raphinha were both sent off following a controversial 91st-minute winner by Japan in an international friendly in Singapore. The Brazilian contingent voiced sharp criticism toward referee Jansen Foo Chuan Hui after the match ended in defeat.
Late Winner Triggers Red Cards and Protests
Japan established an early lead when Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura scored within five minutes of each other. Brazil fought back as Vinicius Junior scored on either side of half-time—including a long-range equalizer—to bring the Selecao level, while Endrick also hit the woodwork. However, Coventry City winger Tatsuhiro Sakamoto struck in the 91st minute to hand Japan the victory.
The decisive goal generated immediate anger from the Brazilian bench over an uncalled foul on midfielder Joao Gomes during the build-up. Referee Foo Chuan Hui subsequently issued red cards to both Ancelotti and Raphinha for their reactions. Ancelotti explained that the official dismissed him for failing to control the bench while players stepped onto the pitch, as reported by 101 Great Goals via Globo.
Raphinha offered an apology for his ejection while maintaining that the officiating was unsatisfactory. “I want to take this opportunity to apologise for my behavior and for being sent off,” the Barcelona player said, explaining that “sometimes it’s hard to control myself after, in my opinion, so many mistakes by the referee.”
Reactions and Squad Transition
Ancelotti stated that the official lacked the requisite experience to handle a fixture of such high quality, though he expressed satisfaction with Brazil’s overall tactical performance, intensity, and rhythm despite being caught on counter-attacks while pressing high.
Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also questioned the consistency of the foul calls during the match. Beyond the refereeing controversies, Guimaraes noted that Brazil is undergoing a major squad transition, pointing out that Japan’s squad contained 16 players with World Cup experience compared to only six in the Brazilian side.
