Lead:
Japan beat Brazil 3-2 on Saturday in Singapore after goals from Takifusa Kubo and Kito Nakamura, with Vinicius Junior scoring twice for Brazil. In European Nations League action, Denmark routed Portugal 4-1 at home, a result that marks a difficult beginning for Portugal following Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement from international football.
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Japan national team — Japan opened the scoring through Takifusa Kubo in the 15th minute and doubled the lead via Kito Nakamura in the 19th minute during Saturday's friendly in Singapore. Vinicius Junior scored in the 33rd minute and again in the 75th minute for Brazil, but Japan held on for a 3-2 victory.Denmark national team — Denmark defeated Portugal 4-1 on Saturday in Nations League Group Four action at home. Rasmus Hojlund scored twice (50th and 57th minutes), Pier-Emile Hojbjerg converted a 43rd-minute penalty, and Joachim Andersen added a fourth goal in the 75th minute. Bernardo Silva scored Portugal's only goal in the 90+4th minute.Erling Haaland transfer — Haaland views Barcelona as his preferred destination should he leave Manchester City, according to reports. Manchester City faces potential sanctions over financial violations, with the club set to present its defense in mid-December and a decision expected in early 2027, a situation that could prompt Haaland to reconsider his future.Barcelona and Josko Gvardiol — Barcelona has placed Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol on its list of targets to strengthen the defense alongside Pau Cubarsi. The 24-year-old Croatian is valued for his versatility to play centre-back or left-back and his physical capabilities, though Manchester City's potential relegation following financial sanctions could affect his availability.Rafael Leao and Brazil — Rafael Leao apologized for his red card during Brazil's 3-2 loss to Japan on Saturday in a friendly match in Singapore. Leao disputed several refereeing decisions, arguing that one of Japan's goals was preceded by a handball that went uncalled.Algeria national team — Algeria advanced in African Cup of Nations qualifying by defeating Togo 1-0 on Saturday, with Rami Ben Sebeni scoring in the 76th minute on the road in Tizi Ouzou.What to Watch:
France faces Turkey on Sunday in a decisive Nations League Group Four match in Bordeaux; the winner advances to the quarter-finals. Kylian Mbappe, sidelined by a muscle injury from the loss to Italy, is available for selection after returning to training on Friday.
Frankie de Jong will miss the Netherlands' Nations League clash against Germany on Monday due to minor physical issues; the Dutch federation cited precaution given his recovery time before the Berlin fixture.