Why Didn't Neymar Play vs. Japan? Brazil Coach Says 'We Did Not Need Him'
FOX Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic injury-time winner to give Brazil a 2-1 victory over Japan in the World Cup round of 32, securing Brazil's progression to the round of 16.
- Casemiro equalized for Brazil in the 56th minute with a header, while Japan initially took the lead through Kaishu Sano’s long-range shot in the 29th minute.
- Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Martinelli’s intensity and emphasized the team’s desire to improve despite their win, with Brazil set to face Ivory Coast or Norway next.
- Brazil’s Neymar did not play due to injury, and Casemiro left late in the match with a leg injury; Japan’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made four key saves.
- The match highlighted the deep cultural and soccer ties between Brazil and Japan, with Brazil historically dominating the head-to-head series and Japan still seeking its first World Cup knockout win.
