Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti explained that he deliberately refrained from exuberantly celebrating Gabriel Martinelli's dramatic 95th-minute winner against Japan out of respect for the defeated side, after his team secured a 2-1 victory to qualify for the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Ancelotti's Humility After Dramatic Win
Speaking to the host broadcaster after the match, Ancelotti said he understood the pain of defeat and believed humility was the best way to acknowledge Japan's spirited performance. "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," Ancelotti said.
The veteran Italian manager said he celebrated internally because Brazil's qualification had been achieved but stressed that 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," he told host broadcasters.
Match Summary: Brazil's Comeback Victory
Japan stunned the five-time world champions in the first half when Kaishu Sano intercepted a loose ball deep inside his own half. Sano embarked on a brilliant 40-yard solo sprint before drilling a fierce strike past Alisson to make it 1-0. Brazil mounted a thrilling second-half comeback, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a dramatic 95th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 victory in front of a packed stadium on Monday (local time).
Ancelotti also praised Japan for pushing Brazil throughout the contest and said his team would need to improve despite advancing to the knockout stage. "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 Next Opponent in Round of 16
Brazil advances 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's men will look to build on their dramatic victory as they continue their quest for a sixth World Cup title.
