The Brazilian team needed 95 minutes to overcome Japan, but the classification came with a goal from Martinelli in stoppage time. Ancelotti maintains the coolness that defines his era at the team.
%3Aquality(65)%2Fhttps%253A%252F%252Fmedia.trivela.com.br%252Fmain%252F2026%252F06%252Fancelotti-brasil-japao-scaled-e1782765683146.jpg&w=1920&q=72&output=webp&we)
It took Brazil 95 minutes to unlock the Japanese defense in Houston, but Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage time goal sealed the 2-1 comeback and guaranteed the Seleção's qualification for the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The victory only came after constant pressure in the final minutes. Bruno Guimarães started the play that resulted in the goal, after recovering the ball from Rayan, who stole possession from a Japanese full-back.
The play ended with Martinelli scoring the ball into the back of the net, 49 minutes into the second half, in front of 70,000 fans in the stadium. As the stadium erupted in celebration, Carlo Ancelotti remained impassive on the touchline. The Italian coach's calmness, forged on Champions League nights, is exactly what this young and nervous squad needed to learn how to win ugly and win late.
Brazil's qualification is the Seleção's first comeback victory since 2002, a clear sign that Ancelotti's tactical identity — patience and pressure — is beginning to take shape. The match against Japan also highlighted the evolution of the Brazilian midfield. Bruno Guimarães, with his ability to recover and distribute the game, was fundamental in maintaining possession of the ball and creating opportunities.
Rayan's entry in the second half brought the necessary aggression to destabilize the Japanese defense, culminating in the winning goal. Furthermore, the Brazilian defense, despite having conceded a goal in the first half, showed resilience and organization. The defense duo, made up of Militão and Marquinhos, knew how to adjust after the break, neutralizing the main threats of the Japanese attack.
This ability to adapt is a direct reflection of Ancelotti's work, which prioritizes defensive solidity without giving up offensiveness. The victory also exposes the team's growing maturity in adverse situations. Before, the team tended to despair when the score didn't open, but against Japan, they maintained their tactical structure and confidence in the process.
This is a turning point for a team that, historically, depended on individual flashes to solve complicated games. Another crucial point was Ancelotti's management of substitutions. Rayan's introduction in place of Fred in the second half not only injected energy into the midfield, but also altered the tempo of the game, forcing Japan to retreat.
This ability to read the game and adjust strategy in real time is a trademark of the Italian coach, who has already proven his effectiveness at elite European clubs. Read at Trivela
The comeback against Japan was not just another result. It represented the confirmation of a new identity for the Seleção: winning badly and winning late, with Ancelotti's calmness as a compass. The first comeback victory since 2002 shows that the team is learning to deal with pressure and trust the process, even when the game seems to slip away. Ancelotti's calmness, already tested on Champions League nights, is becoming this team's trademark.
Trivelatrivela.com.brBy Murillo César AlvesJun 29, 10:31 PMpt
Brebbia’s five-run meltdown in 1.1 innings forced Colorado’s hand; Hughes gets the shot to prove he belongs in the majors.
Sonego wins the marathon against Diallo and faces Fritz in the third round.
The Turin native endures four hours of battle and qualifies for the round of 32, where top 10 player Taylor Fritz awaits.
After Etcheverry and Diallo, the 31-year-old Italian must beat Taylor Fritz to avoid a collapse beyond 80th position and reopen the race for the top-70.
Disney and Comcast’s carriage standoff has already run three months—now RedZone’s future on Xfinity is on the line for 20 million subscribers.
Former TNA World Champion Eric Young puts rumors to rest, confirming his release was on his terms and freeing him to choose his next move.
Brebbia’s five-run meltdown in 1.1 innings forced Colorado’s hand; Hughes gets the shot to prove he belongs in the majors.
New York holds the throne, yet Toronto and Philly have remade themselves into threats while Miami lurks in the wings.
First-round losers double their payout to £80,000 while champions earn £3.6 million under the All England Club’s record 20% prize-money hike for 2026.
All England Club replaces human judges with Hawk-Eye cameras and adds video review, sparking tradition vs. modernity debate.
England’s defensive icon ties herself to the Blues, locking down a core piece of Chelsea’s domestic and European dominance.
Alistair Johnston shares his emotional journey as Canada co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the pride of playing at home.
FC Nantes welcomes back Michel Der Zakarian as head coach, aiming to revive their fortunes in Ligue 1.
A muscle bundle tear sidelines rising star Lennart Karl, prompting Bayern to reassess their strategy ahead of a crucial period.
Houston secures its defensive anchor with a massive long-term commitment despite injury concerns.
The Indianapolis Colts' defensive ceiling in 2026 may hinge on a 24-year-old defensive end who doesn’t need the spotlight—just pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Houston holds a rare trade chip in a depleted farm system, but can they afford to ship innings when they're trying to win now?
During the World Cup, Texas practices a much more radical sport: wild boar hunting by helicopter.
Portugal and Croatia meet in the 2026 knockout round with both legends likely playing their final World Cup matches. The Champions League-winning duo face a historic showdown.
Schedule, where to watch and the epic clash of former Real Madrid teammates in Toronto.
From German amateur football to the Champions League – Sidny Lopes Cabral uses the World Cup stage to name structural discrimination in football. His words hit a nerve.
Starting with the 2026/27 season, La Liga will be exclusively streamed on Disney Plus in Sweden. The platform is making a major investment with Swedish commentary, expanded coverage, and a unified platform for the league’s biggest stars.
Tottenham Hotspur's transfer strategy takes a bold turn with the signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.
The tactician behind Bregawn’s historic 1983 win has passed away after a battle with dementia.
Reigning Euro champs Spain face Austria in a knockout thriller at SoFi Stadium. Live broadcast and streaming guide inside.
Sandro Tonali’s blockbuster transfer to Tottenham is a symptom of Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules strangling Newcastle’s ambitions.
A tactical showdown in the knockout stage could redefine the 2026 World Cup — live updates on every shift, save, and goal.
Lamine Yamal and Spain face a disciplined Austria in a win-or-go-home World Cup 2026 clash.
A referee tied to a teenage Messi’s protection 22 years ago will oversee Argentina’s clash with Cape Verde, turning a standard appointment into a nostalgic milestone.
A viral 2023 ChatGPT simulation foresaw Mason Greenwood’s troubled move to Olympique de Marseille—now his potential exit is scripting the same AI-generated plot.
