Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed that Neymar was kept on the bench during his side’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan because he was saving the veteran forward for the possibility of extra time.
Neymar had made his long-awaited return to the Brazil national team during the group-stage win over Haiti, coming on as a second-half substitute for his first international appearance in three years. With Brazil facing Japan in the Round of 32, there was speculation that the veteran forward could feature again. Instead, he remained an unused substitute as the Selecao booked their place in the Round of 16.
Brazil completed a remarkable comeback after Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic winner in the 95th minute, moments after Casemiro had cancelled out Japan’s first-half opener. The late goal meant Ancelotti never had to turn to Neymar.
“We were thinking about (extra time),” Ancelotti said after the match. “I told Neymar that if it was a draw at a certain point, I would put him on the pitch. As it turned out we did not need him.”
Brazil vs Japan, FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights| Report
TACTICAL TWEAK PAYS OFF
While Neymar stayed on the bench, Ancelotti’s tactical changes proved decisive as Brazil overturned the deficit. The Italian admitted his side found it difficult to break through Japan’s disciplined defensive structure in the opening half before changing their approach after the interval.
“This was the most complete game we have played at the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “We had trouble in the first half as Japan were defending well. They were close and tight to us.”
Ancelotti said Brazil began exploiting the wide areas more effectively after the break, allowing them to create better crossing opportunities and stretch Japan’s compact defensive shape.
“In the second half, we overcame it, we got some space and put in crosses. This was an evolution in tactics for sure,” he said.
The Brazil coach also revealed that patience was his main message during the halftime team talk, urging his players to stick to the plan rather than chase the game recklessly.
“At halftime I said to the players to be patient because sooner or later we would score a goal. But we had to keep our shape to ensure we did not compromise the game further.”
Ancelotti also singled out Martinelli for praise after the Arsenal winger came off the bench to score the winner deep into stoppage time.
“Martinelli has a lot of intensity as a player. He is always on his top game,” the Italian said.
Brazil will now face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16 in New Jersey on Sunday after surviving one of their toughest tests of the tournament. Having escaped a stubborn Japanese challenge through tactical flexibility and late resilience, the five-time world champions remain firmly on course in their pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
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