Overview
- Japan took a 2-0 lead through Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura before Vinícius Júnior pulled Brazil level with long-range goals in the 33rd and 75th minutes.
- Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored in the first minute of stoppage time to give Japan the 3-2 victory after Brazil protested an alleged foul on Marlon Gomes in the build-up.
- Coach Carlo Ancelotti and substitute Raphinha were shown red cards for protesting the late decision, leaving Brazil to deal with immediate disciplinary fallout.
- Vinícius’s double ended a personal scoring drought that followed a red card and four-match ban at club level, though his goals could not steady an experimental Selecão.
- The loss is Brazil’s first since their World Cup exit and will deepen questions about selection, discipline, and consistency in a team still trying new players.