DOHA: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti credited patience, tactical discipline and belief after his side produced a late comeback to defeat Japan 2-1 and book its place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The five-time world champions were pushed to the limit by a determined Japanese side that led at halftime and frustrated Brazil for much of the match. However, second-half goals from Casemiro and substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who struck in the 95th minute, completed a memorable turnaround and kept Brazil’s pursuit of a sixth World Cup title alive.
Reflecting on the performance, Ancelotti insisted his players never panicked despite trailing after the opening 45 minutes.
“This was by far the most complete game that we’ve played.”
The Italian manager explained that Brazil struggled to find space against Japan’s disciplined defensive structure before making key tactical adjustments during the interval.
“We had difficulties in the first half because Japan defended very well, marking us closely and pressing. In the second half we found more space, we crossed more balls into the box and that was an evolution.”
Ancelotti revealed that his message to the players at halftime was to remain calm and trust their quality rather than chase the game recklessly.
“At halftime I told the players to be patient because sooner or later we would score. We needed to stay organised and not make the game even more difficult.”
The Brazil coach also praised the quality of their opponents, acknowledging that Japan presented one of the toughest tactical tests his side has faced during the tournament.
“Japan are a very good team, very organised, physically strong and they create dangerous opportunities.”
Special praise was reserved for match-winner Martinelli, whose introduction from the bench changed the tempo of the game before he scored the decisive goal deep into stoppage time.
“Martinelli brings great intensity every time he plays. He is the perfect player to come off the bench because he always gives everything.”
Martinelli’s winner sparked emotional celebrations among the Brazilian players after a contest that looked destined for extra time. Casemiro’s powerful second-half header had cancelled out Japan’s first-half lead, but Brazil still needed a moment of quality to finally break the resistance of the Samurai Blue.
On the other side, Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu admitted the defeat was heartbreaking but insisted the performance demonstrated that Japanese football continues to close the gap on the world’s elite nations.
“The gap between us is closing now. Brazil are a top team, but we are definitely approaching that level.”
Moriyasu acknowledged that his players were devastated by conceding such a late winner but said the experience would only strengthen the squad moving forward.
“Of course we were devastated. There is still a difference in our level and we have to improve further if we want to compete with the very best.”
The Japanese manager also praised the character shown by his squad, particularly the players who stepped in for injured teammates throughout the tournament.
“Having more players gain this kind of experience will contribute to the growth of football in Japan.”
Japan produced an outstanding first-half display, combining disciplined defending with dangerous counterattacks that unsettled Brazil’s back line. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made several important saves, while defenders TakehiroTomiyasu, Hiroki Ito and Shogo Taniguchi frustrated Brazil’s attack for long periods.
The tactical discipline implemented by Moriyasuallowed Japan to carry a deserved lead into halftime and dream of a famous upset.
Despite eventually falling short, Moriyasu believed the performance proved that Japan can compete with the strongest teams in world football.
“What I told the players was to keep playing as if the score was 0-0. Defending leads to attacking, and that is the mentality we wanted to maintain.”
