Vinicius Junior scored two long-range goals for Brazil in a 3-2 friendly defeat against Japan on Saturday, El Mundo reported.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti selected Vinicius, Estevao, and Raphinha despite strong controversy surrounding injuries with the national team and concerns raised by Barcelona, according to El Mundo.
“Nunca he renunciado a la selección brasileña. Siempre he querido venir,” Raphinha told El Mundo regarding his commitment to the squad.
Japan exploited space behind Brazil’s advanced defensive line as Takefusa Kubo opened the scoring with a low shot past goalkeeper Morisco after a setup from Ritsu Doan, El Mundo reported. Keito Nakamura added the second goal before the half-hour mark following a buildup involving Naoki Maeda and Koki Nakano.
Bruno Guimaraes, Andre, and Andrey Santos struggled to command the midfield during the opening period, according to El Mundo.
Vinicius provided a response in the 31st minute by collecting a loose ball near the edge of the area and unleashing a left-footed strike into the top corner, El Mundo reported. He added his second goal with 15 minutes remaining, cutting inside Seiya Sugawara and firing a long-range shot that deflected off the base of the post into the net.
Brazil threatened through Endrick, who hit the post, but conceded the decisive goal in the 91st minute when Marlon Gomes lost possession to Takumi Minamino in midfield, allowing Shuto Sakamoto to score with a lob over Morisco, El Mundo reported.
Ancelotti and Raphinha were both expelled by the referee for protesting Sakamoto’s late goal, according to El Mundo.
Earlier coverage: Japan Defeats Brazil 3-2 After Vinicius Jr Scores Twice
