Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side faced one of the tournament’s toughest exams before beating Japan 2-1 to reach the World Cup round of 16.
“It was a very exciting and thrilling match,” Ancelotti said. “We overcame it in the second half because we got more crosses into the penalty area.”
Brazil struggled to impose themselves before halftime as Japan’s disciplined defensive structure frustrated any attempt to play through midfield.
«At first we tried to achieve superiority in midfield. We also tried to use the wing, but it didn’t work because their marking was very good. We have to do better and penetrate from wide areas.»
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The Italian said patience, rather than tactical anxiety, was his message during the break.
«We knew it would be a difficult match, especially in the Round of 32. At half-time I told the players to be patient. What mattered was maintaining our shape and not jeopardizing it.»
The change in approach gradually changed momentum. Brazil pushed more numbers forward, introducing Endrick to add direct running and later Gabriel Martinelli for new intensity, expanding a Japanese defense that had comfortably contained the South Americans in the opening period.
“We wanted to put more numbers forward and that’s what Endrick gave us,” Ancelotti said. “Martinelli has a lot of intensity and his movement opened up spaces that also helped Vinicius.”
Even after Casemiro’s equalizer, Brazil continued to look for the winner rather than settle for extra time.
“Fortunately we scored the second goal, otherwise it could have become even more complicated,” Ancelotti said. “Our team was prepared to play the extra time as well.”
The Brazilian coach rejected suggestions that Casemiro had made a mistake in the move that led to Japan’s opening match and instead praised his midfielder’s growing influence.
«I don’t think it was Casemiro’s fault. He has scored a lot of goals this season.»
Ancelotti also had praise for Japan, calling it one of Brazil’s toughest tests despite his side eventually finding a way through.
«Japan is a very well-organized team. They created a lot of chances and can be very physical. But we were not as lost as in the first half against Morocco.»
After watching Brazil recover from another difficult situation, Ancelotti said resilience is as important as quality at a World Cup.
«Football always has those moments. It’s impossible not to 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 team is steadily moving in the right direction.
«We are strong and we know we are on the right track. But we can never be satisfied with what we do. We have to improve, because the level is only going to get higher.»
For now, however, the Italian wants his players to enjoy 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 on June 30, 2026
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