Ancelotti explained the reasons for leaving Neymar on the bench
Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti explained why he kept Neymar on the bench during the dramatic match against Japan in the World Cup quarterfinals, as reported by Zamin.uz.
In the match held in Houston, Brazil won 2:1, but the team's star forward did not play a single minute. According to Goal.com, Ancelotti detailed his decision to journalists after the game.
Ancelotti said he had planned to bring on the 34-year-old attacker in the 60th to 65th minute, but changed his plans due to the evolving situation on the field. The coach decided to save Neymar for potential extra time.
He had previously agreed with Neymar that he would come on at the 60-minute mark. However, after the score was leveled, Ancelotti did not want to disrupt the team's structure, as Brazil was in control of the game.
The turning point came in the first half, when Japan displayed disciplined play and took the lead.
The Samurai Blue's attacks created serious problems for Brazil's defense, but in the 56th minute, a goal from Casemiro shifted the momentum.
After that, Ancelotti abandoned thoughts of making changes and opted to maintain team stability. Keeping Neymar on the bench ultimately proved justified.
Gabriel Martinelli, who came off the bench, became the match's real hero, scoring the winning goal in the 96th minute to secure Brazil's victory and spare them extra time and nerve-wracking moments.
Ancelotti also praised the strength of the Japanese national team, noting they are a highly disciplined and intensely active side, making victory over them far from easy.
The coach emphasized that squad depth and the high quality of substitute players allow the team to overcome any difficult situation. This win further solidifies Brazil's status as one of the tournament favorites.
The fact that a star like Neymar did not play shows that the team relies not just on one individual, but on the entire system. Now, the Seleção is preparing for the semifinals, with expectations that Neymar's physical condition will be crucial in the decisive stages ahead.
