Brazil player ratings vs Japan: That's why Don Carlo is the coolest customer in football! Ancelotti masterminds come-from-behind win by sticking with Casemiro and bringing on Gabriel Martinelli to lea
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Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup, advancing to the round of 16 after a late goal by Gabriel Martinelli. Manager Carlo Ancelotti was praised for his tactical decisions, including keeping Casemiro on the pitch despite early struggles.
Why it matters
This match marks a significant progression in the 2026 World Cup tournament, highlighting the tactical influence of high-profile managers on international football outcomes.
Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli got the goals as Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston to progress to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The five-time champions appeared to be heading for an embarrassingly early exit after falling behind to a terrific first-half strike from Kaishu Sano, who found the bottom corner of Alisson Becker's net with a low shot after pouncing on a misplaced pass from Danilo.
The report is a standard sports recap focusing on match events and tactical analysis.
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