Why Neymar didn’t play in Brazil’s round of 32 against Japan: the head coach explains

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed Neymar was kept on the bench during his side’s dramatic 2-1 win over Japan as he spared the veteran striker for the option of extra time.

Neymar made his long-awaited return to the Brazilian national team during the group stage win over Haiti, coming on as a second-half substitute in his first international appearance in three years. When Brazil faced Japan in the round of 32, there was speculation that the veteran striker could make another appearance. Instead, he remained an unused substitute as the Selecao booked their place in the round of 16.

Brazil completed a remarkable comeback after Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic winner in the 95th minute, moments after Casemiro had canceled out Japan’s first-half opener. A late goal meant Ancelotti never had to turn to Neymar.

“We thought about (extension),” Ancelotti said after the match. “I told Neymar that if there was a draw at a certain point, I would put him on the pitch. As it turned out, we didn’t need him.”

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A TACTICAL TWEAK WILL PAY

While Neymar remained on the bench, Ancelotti’s tactical changes proved decisive as Brazil overcame the deficit. The Italian admitted his side found it difficult to break through Japan’s disciplined defensive structure in the opening half before changing his approach after the break.

“It was the most complete game we’ve played at the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “We struggled in the first half because Japan defended well. They were close and close to us.”

Ancelotti said Brazil began to use wide areas more effectively after the break, allowing them to create better crossing opportunities and stretch Japan’s compact defensive shape.

“In the second half we overcame it, got space and made crosses. This was definitely an evolution in tactics,” he said. (Image: Reuters)

The Brazil coach also revealed that patience was his main message during the half-time team talk, urging his players to stick to the plan rather than recklessly chase the game.

“At half-time I told the players to be patient because sooner or later we will score a goal. But we had to keep our form to make sure we didn’t put the game at risk any further.”

Ancelotti also heaped praise on Martinelli after the Arsenal winger came off the bench to score the winner deep into stoppage time.

“Martinelli has great intensity as a player. He is always at his best,” said the Italian.

Brazil will now face either Ivory Coast or Norway in Sunday’s round of 16 in New Jersey after surviving one of the toughest tests of the tournament. The five-time world champions, who escaped a stubborn Japanese challenge thanks to tactical flexibility and late resilience, remain firmly on course for a record sixth World Cup title.

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Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

30 Jun 2026 02:28 IST