Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal late in injury time to give five-time champion Brazil a 2-1 win over Japan in the round of 32 at the World Cup on Monday.

Strategic Decision to Hold Back Neymar

Martinelli, who had come on as a second-half substitute, scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time as the match appeared to be headed to extra time.

“Above all else we wanted to freshen up the field because Martinelli has a lot of intensity as a player,” Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said through a translator. “When he goes in the match he’s always on his top game.”

Ancelotti explained in detail why Neymar did not play a single minute during the grueling victory. The superstar forward spent time warming up in front of a massive crowd in Houston, but was ultimately sent back to the bench as the match entered its final moments.

“We were waiting to use Neymar for extra time,” Ancelotti explained. “I spoke with him and he was scheduled to come on between the 60th and 65th minute. But then we equalized the match and I did not want to alter our tactical structure because the team had complete control of the game.”

Match Summary and Key Moments

Casemiro had earlier equalized for Brazil on a header in the 56th minute off an assist from Gabriel Magalhaes after just missing another chance two minutes earlier. The shot sailed just out of reach of the outstretched hand of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and into the net.

Kaishu Sano stole a misplaced pass at midfield and took it down the field before a right-footed shot from above the half circle put Japan ahead in the 29th minute.

“There is not not making mistakes because nobody is perfect,” Ancelotti said. “But you have to overcome it and you have to push it forward.”

The Brazil national team suffered immensely throughout the encounter following a difficult first half where they trailed against a highly organized Samurai Blue squad.

Looking Ahead

Brazil will next face either the Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the round of 16.

“We can never be content with what we’re doing,” Ancelotti said. “We’re doing a good job. We are performing. But you can never be content because we want to play better. We want to play at the highest level.”

Meanwhile, Brazil, led by the legendary Carlo Ancelotti, comes into the match after topping Group C with two wins and a draw, earning the right to be considered one of the tournament’s favorites.

In a separate match, Neymar was outstanding for Brazil against Japan in a friendly played in Singapore, scoring four times with his left foot, right foot, and head.