Ancelotti brought on Martinelli in the second half and it paid dividends as he netted the winner.
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Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side had to endure one of its toughest examinations of the tournament before overcoming Japan 2-1 to reach the World Cup round of 16.
“It was a really close and tight game,” Ancelotti said. “In the second half we overcame it because we started getting more crosses into the box.”
Brazil struggled to impose itself before the break as Japan’s disciplined defensive structure frustrated every attempt to play through midfield.
“At first we were trying to achieve superiority in midfield. We also tried to use the wing, but it didn’t work because their marking was very good. We had to do better and penetrate from the wide areas.”
The Italian said patience, rather than tactical upheaval, was his message during the interval.
“We knew it would be a difficult game. At half-time I told the players to be patient. What mattered was keeping our shape and not compromising it.”
The change in approach gradually shifted the momentum. Brazil pushed more numbers forward, introduced Endrick to add direct running and later, Gabriel Martinelli, for fresh intensity, stretching a Japanese defence that had comfortably contained the South Americans in the opening period.
“We wanted to push more numbers forward and that’s what Endrick gave us,” Ancelotti said. “Martinelli has a lot of intensity and his movement opened spaces that also helped Vinicius (Junior).”
Even after Casemiro’s equaliser, Brazil continued to search for the winner rather than settle for extra time.
“Fortunately we scored the second goal because otherwise it could have become even more complicated,” Ancelotti said. “Our team was prepared to play the extra time as well.”
He dismissed suggestions that Casemiro had erred in the move leading to Japan’s opener and instead praised his midfielder’s growing influence.
“I don’t think it was a mistake by Casemiro. He has scored a lot of goals this season.”
Ancelotti also reserved praise for Japan, calling it one of Brazil’s sternest tests despite his side eventually finding a way through.
“Japan are a very well-organised team. They created a lot of opportunities and they can be very physical. But we were not as lost as we were in the first half against Morocco.”
Having watched Brazil recover from another difficult situation, Ancelotti said resilience was as important as quality at a World Cup.
“Football always has these moments. There is no way you won’t make mistakes, but you have to overcome them, and that’s what the team did in the second half. Suffering is part of the game.”
Ancelotti believes his squad is steadily moving in the right direction.
“We are strong and we know we are on the right path. But we can never be content with what we are doing. We have to improve because the level will only get higher.”
For now, however, the Italian wants his players to savour the victory before turning their attention to the next challenge.
“We really enjoyed today’s match, but now we have to think about the next one”.
Published – June 30, 2026 05:47 pm IST
