Ancelotti explains Neymar's bench role in Brazil's World Cup win
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed after his team's 2-1 victory over Japan that he deliberately kept star forward Neymar on the bench, intending to use him only if the match went into extra time. Speaking to the host broadcaster following the Round of 32 clash on June 29, 2026, in Texas, USA, Ancelotti detailed the substitution plan he had discussed with Neymar before the game.
"I talked to Ney (Neymar), if we don't draw, he'd come on at 60 minutes. Since we drew, I was preserving him for the 30 minutes of extra time," Ancelotti told the host broadcaster. Brazil ultimately secured a dramatic 2-1 victory without needing Neymar, as Gabriel Martinelli scored a 95th-minute winner to complete a second-half comeback.
Japan's early shock and Brazil's response
Japan stunned the five-time world champions in the first half when Kaishu Sano intercepted a loose ball deep inside his own half. Sano sprinted 40 yards before drilling a fierce strike past goalkeeper Alisson to give Japan a 1-0 lead. Brazil struggled to break down a disciplined Japanese defense until the second half, when they mounted their comeback.
Ancelotti praised Japan's performance and explained his muted celebration after the win. "People asked me why I didn't celebrate, but football is also about respect. Yes, we were happy to win, but I looked across and saw a Japanese team that had given absolutely everything. They fought with incredible courage, and I know exactly how painful a defeat like that can be," he said.
Ancelotti's philosophy on respect and humility
The veteran Italian manager emphasized that while he celebrated internally for Brazil's qualification, experience had taught him the importance of respecting opponents. "Of course, I celebrated inside because my responsibility is to Brazil and qualifying was our objective. But I've been in football for many years, and I've experienced both victory and heartbreak. Sometimes the best way to respect your opponent is to remain humble in your biggest moments," Ancelotti told the host broadcaster.
He added that Japan deserved respect for pushing Brazil throughout the contest. "Japan made us suffer for ninety-five minutes. They deserved our respect, not exaggerated celebrations. Brazil are through, but we know we must improve. Tonight we celebrate the qualification, but tomorrow we go back to work because the World Cup only gets more difficult from here," he said.
Brazil's path forward in the World Cup
With the victory, Brazil advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway on July 5 at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Ancelotti acknowledged that despite the win, the team needs to improve to progress further in the tournament.
Neymar's absence from the match raised questions, but Ancelotti's explanation clarified the tactical reasoning. The 33-year-old forward remains a key asset for Brazil, and preserving him for potential extra time reflected the coach's cautious approach in a knockout match.
