Japan defeated Brazil 3-2 in a friendly international at the National Stadium in Singapore on Saturday, with the game descending into controversy after a late winner from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto prompted heated protests from the Brazilian camp.
Takefusa Kubo opened the scoring in the 15th minute, cutting inside the area before drilling a shot past goalkeeper Pedro Morisco. Keito Nakamura doubled Japan's advantage four minutes later, stroking a shot into the bottom corner after Shuto Nakano pulled the ball back from the byline.
Vinícius Júnior began Brazil's recovery by pulling one back in the 33rd minute. He then levelled proceedings on 75 minutes, collecting a short corner from Bruno Guimarães before curling a stunning effort in off the post. Endrick, introduced from the bench, went close to giving Brazil the lead when his long-range effort struck the bar in the 80th minute.
Japan snatched victory in the first minute of stoppage time. A forward charge from Kaishu Sano ended with a blocked shot diverting into the path of Sakamoto, who lifted the ball over Morisco to seal the win. Brazilian protests continued even after VAR confirmed the goal.
Ancelotti and Raphinha, who had been substituted, were both shown red cards for their reactions on the touchline. Security staff were required to enter the pitch and separate Ancelotti, Vinicius Junior and Bruno Guimarães from the Singaporean official. Both men will miss Tuesday's friendly against Singapore at the same stadium.
The Brazilian camp's anger centred on the moments leading to Sakamoto's goal, when Takumi Minamino challenged João Gomes and came away with the ball, with the referee allowing play to continue. Ancelotti told the media afterwards that referee Jansen Foo Chuan Hui had sent him off on the grounds that he had not controlled his bench and that players had been on the field. Raphinha also pointed to an earlier penalty appeal that was waved away and took issue with the opening goal.
"The result, obviously, is conditioned by the attitude of the referee, who did not blow the whistle," Ancelotti said, according to the Mirror.
It is only the second time Japan have beaten Brazil.
Chelsea winger Estevao, deployed on the right of a 4-3-3 attack, was withdrawn after 58 minutes having taken three shots — one on target — and posted a passing accuracy of 89.5%. He attempted two dribbles without completing either, registered 30 touches and missed one big chance.
Manchester United midfielder Andrey Santos, who joined from Chelsea for a total fee of £50million, played 78 minutes in central midfield before making way for João Gomes. Santos completed 95 per cent of his passes, won all three of his ground duels and completed his one attempted dribble during his time on the pitch.
Nottingham Forest centre-back Jair Cunha, 21, was also withdrawn at the 58-minute mark. The defender misplaced nine passes, completed just one long ball and played a part in Japan's opening goal. Cunha made his debut for the senior Brazil team in September, having broken into the Nottingham Forest side during the final weeks of last season.
Reporting: Mirror, TeamTalk, Football Italia, Football Insider, Daily Mail, ESPN, The Guardian.