Ancelotti Sees Red in Brazil’s Loss to Japan, Blames Referee
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti was sent off in a 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan in Singapore and said the referee lacked experience. Former striker Romario has called for his dismissal. Ancelotti and Raphinha will both miss Brazil's next match against Singapore.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti was sent off during a 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan at the National Stadium in Singapore, and afterward he blamed an inexperienced referee. It was only Japan's second-ever win over Brazil.
Ancelotti sees red in Brazil's loss after a stoppage-time winner for Japan. He ran onto the pitch to protest a foul he said was missed in the build-up. Singaporean referee Jansen Foo Chuan Hui sent him off.
Winger Raphinha was also dismissed for protesting from the bench. Both will miss Brazil's next friendly, against Singapore at the same stadium.
A slow start, then a comeback
Japan led 2-0 inside the first 20 minutes, with goals from Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura. Brazil looked sluggish.
Vinícius Júnior then scored twice to level the match. Endrick, who has been linked with Roma and Milan, hit the crossbar with the score at 2-2.
Japan found the winner in stoppage time. Brazil felt João Gomes had been fouled earlier in the move.
What Ancelotti said
"The result was clearly affected by the referee, who wasn't able to control the game," Ancelotti said. He then softened the blame: "But it isn't really his fault. This was a high-level game, and I don't think he had the experience to handle a match like this."
The coach said the referee showed him the red card because he could not control his bench, with the players on the pitch.
Ancelotti admitted Brazil began badly. "The first part wasn't good," he said. "The defensive line didn't move well, we tried to press high and it didn't work."
He was happier with what followed. Brazil created chances after the 20th minute and played with rhythm and intensity, he said, and some players making a first appearance performed well. He added that he does not like losing.
Appointment criticized, Romario wants him out
Rodrigo Caetano, national teams director at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), also criticized the referee's appointment. For away friendlies, FIFA chooses the official at the request of the home federation, which here was Japan.
Former Brazil striker Romario went further and demanded Ancelotti's immediate dismissal. In a social media post, he called the Italian one of the greatest coaches in history but said that record came at club level. He argued Ancelotti has yet to show that level with Brazil.
Romario also urged the CBF president to find the courage to tear up the coach's contract. He said the national team cannot afford to waste another shot at the World Cup and that Ancelotti should go back to club coaching if he wants to continue.
Brazil face Singapore next, the first meeting between the two sides. Ancelotti is expected to run more tests in the squad.
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