Ancelotti praises Brazil's patience after late winner against Japan

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the "suffering" his team endured before securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan, advancing them to the World Cup last 16. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli's goal in the 95th minute sealed the win, marking the latest match-winner in normal time of a knockout stage since 1966.

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No one is perfect but you can handle how to get out of mistakes, how to think, look ahead. The team did very well in the second half. No one thought that this team wouldn’t score.

Japan had taken a surprise lead at halftime following errors from Brazil. However, the five-time champions dominated the second half, eventually equalizing through veteran Casemiro before Martinelli's late heroics. Ancelotti commended his players' ability to overcome mistakes and maintain focus.

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Suffering is normal, as is relief.

"Suffering is normal, as is relief," Ancelotti stated, reflecting on the pressure of leading Brazil, who last won the World Cup in 2002. He revealed that he had planned to bring on star attacker Neymar if Brazil hadn't equalized by the 60th minute, but the team's comeback negated the need for that substitution.

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At half-time I told them not to lose patience because we were going to score sooner or later.

Ancelotti also defended midfielder Casemiro, who has faced criticism. "Casemiro is a leader. He knows his position very well," the coach said, highlighting the player's consistent performance and goal-scoring ability, referencing his nine goals for Manchester United in the previous season.

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I spoke to Neymar and told him that if we hadn’t equalised by the 60th minute, I would bring him on. We were considering sending him on during extra time because he is fit and ready. However, since we scored, Neymar didn’t play, and the situation was clear and understood by him.