Once again, Brazil produced a performance that raised eyebrows, particularly during the early stages of their match. Yet, they managed to secure a win, demonstrating that the Carlo Ancelotti approach, which proved effective at Real Madrid, can yield results: stay competitive, and wait for opportunities to arise or for opponents to falter.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Brazil faced the daunting prospect of an early World Cup exit. The scenario seemed grim, especially with five players in their starting lineup over the age of 30 and a heavy defensive setup that showed. Japan appeared faster, more cohesive, and more creative. However, the substitution of Endrick and a tactical shift during the break revitalized Brazil. They began to deliver crosses into the box, causing Japan to lose their composure. Casemiro, who had been largely ineffective in the first half, scored the equalizer, and in the dying moments of the match, Gabriel Martinelli netted the decisive goal.
Japan’s struggles in World Cup knockout matches have become a psychological hurdle, as pointed out by their manager Hajime Moriyasu. His pre-tournament assertion that Japan should aim for victory was perceived by many as an attempt to confront this mental block. Despite their continued inability to secure a win in the knockout stage, this performance marked their best showing in World Cup history.
Competing against Brazil, the only nation to have participated in every World Cup and the most decorated team in the tournament’s history, is no small feat. Brazil has consistently reached the knockout stages, having only twice failed to secure a place among the top eight teams.
It would be unfair to say Japan faltered in the second half or tightened up as they neared victory. They simply faced a Brazilian side whose coach had effectively adapted his strategy. Although this marked Japan’s fifth exit in the first knockout round and they managed just one victory in the tournament, their talent remains evident, even with injuries sidelining three key players. Losing a closely contested match against a high-caliber opponent is no disgrace.
After taking the fight to Tunisia and Sweden, Japan reverted to a more conservative style against Brazil, focusing on defense and counterattacks. They maintained a compact formation, limiting Vinícius Júnior’s involvement, thanks to the diligent efforts of right-sided center-back Takehiro Tomiyasu and right wing-back Ritsu Doan, who effectively neutralized his attacking runs.
In the first half, Japan’s game plan was successful. Brazil dominated possession early on, but aside from a low attempt from Matheus Cunha that was saved by Zion Suzuki, they struggled to create meaningful chances. As the first half progressed, Japan grew more threatening. Ayase Ueda narrowly missed with a header from a corner, and then, in the 29th minute, the breakthrough came. Danilo’s pass was intercepted by Kaishu Sano, who charged past Casemiro and unleashed a low shot from just outside the box into the corner of the net.
However, Ancelotti’s adjustments transformed the match. The introduction of Endrick and a shift to a 4-2-3-1 formation sparked a Brazilian resurgence, characterized by a flurry of crosses. Bruno Guimarães came close with a header that forced a fantastic save, while Casemiro’s effort was cleared off the line, almost rebounding back into the goal off Suzuki. The equalizer felt inevitable, and it came in the 56th minute when Casemiro scored with a powerful header from Gabriel Magalhães’s assist. Later, Vini Jr attempted a flicked shot that Suzuki deflected onto the post.
In response, Moriyasu made changes to his wingbacks, temporarily halting Brazil’s momentum. However, Japan’s first-half threat seemed diminished. The winning goal felt imminent, and it came in the 95th minute. Ao Tanaka lost possession near his own box, and as the ball was shifted across the area, Guimarães calmly laid it off to Martinelli.
With this victory, Brazil advances to face the winner of the upcoming match between Côte d’Ivoire and Norway. Yet, questions linger about their performance. The first half highlighted several vulnerabilities, especially in midfield. Nevertheless, their second-half revival was impressive, showcasing their attacking prowess. While there are concerns about their ability to consistently perform under pressure, it is reminiscent of Ancelotti’s time at Madrid, where they often found ways to win. Perhaps the prospect of a sixth World Cup title is indeed within reach.
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