Ancelotti's Half-Time Switch Fires Brazil to Last-Gasp World Cup Win Over Japan

A dramatic 95th-minute goal from substitute Gabriel Martinelli handed Brazil a 2-1 victory over Japan in a World Cup round-of-32 clash in Houston on Monday. The win, which came courtesy of a second-half revival, spared the five-time champions an embarrassing early exit.

Japan had taken a deserved lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano, who capitalized on a defensive error by Danilo before firing past Alisson from distance. Despite dominating possession with 68% in the first half, Brazil struggled to break down a disciplined Japanese defensive block, registering only two shots on target from distance.

Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazil head coach, made a tactical adjustment at half-time that turned the game. After deploying Vinicius Junior in a central role to little effect in the opening period, Ancelotti moved the forward back to his natural left-wing position. The change paid immediate dividends as Vinicius became more involved, doubling his first-half touches to 40 after the interval.

The equalizer arrived in the 72nd minute when substitute Endrick swept home from close range after a goalmouth scramble. With the game heading for extra time, Martinelli struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time, latching onto a cross and slotting past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to spark wild celebrations.

Ancelotti's calm demeanor contrasted starkly with the euphoria around him. The Italian, who replaced Tite after the 2022 tournament, has faced criticism for Brazil's inconsistent performances but his willingness to adapt mid-game proved decisive.

Brazil advance to the round of 16 where they will face the winner of the Ghana-Uruguay match. Japan, who reached the quarter-finals in 2022, exit the tournament after a spirited performance.