Vinicius Junior reaches eight goals in 12 Brazil appearances after Japan double
Japan won the friendly 3-2 in Singapore despite two goals from the Real Madrid forward, whose international total now stands at 16.
Vinicius Junior scored twice as Brazil lost 3-2 to Japan in Singapore, bringing his tally over his latest 12 international appearances to eight goals. That equals the number he scored across his preceding 46 games for Brazil.
The 26-year-old also contributed three assists during that 12-match stretch. He now has 16 goals from 58 appearances for the national team.
Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura put Japan 2-0 ahead before Vinicius scored from a Bruno Guimaraes pass after 33 minutes. He equalized in the 75th minute, cutting past Yukinari Sugawara after a short corner and sending a shot against both posts and over the line. Tatsuhiro Sakamoto then secured Japan's victory with a stoppage-time goal.
His Brazil scoring run contrasts with his club record this season: one goal and three assists from 12 Real Madrid appearances under Jose Mourinho. Vinicius received a four-match domestic ban after being sent off against Villarreal in October. Madrid won all four La Liga games he missed, with summer arrival Yan Diomande getting an opportunity on the left flank.
Brazil next play Singapore on November 17. Madrid face Celta Vigo four days later, with Mourinho having publicly supported Vinicius while saying selection must depend on performances rather than reputation.
