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Brazil: Joy in their hearts thanks to patience on the pitch
The "Selecao" overcame Japan late and were eventually rewarded for their patience thanks to super-sub Martinelli. Ancelotti reveals why he came into the game and not Neymar.
Failing to convert footballing superiority into goals is often punished. And Brazil almost found that out against Japan.
However, the "Selecao" turned the game around against a brave Japanese side, winning 2-1 in the very last minute, but deservedly so (match report here>>>).
Patience is a virtue
The shot ratio ended up being 19:5, but for a long time, the Samba Boys struggled against a well-organised Japanese team. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti hinted that they had expected a tough battle, which is why they wanted to apply pressure from the start.
The plan to exploit a resulting Japanese error and score a goal was dampened in the 29th minute when Sano gave Japan the lead against the run of play.
"But we didn't lose patience," emphasised Ancelotti, who found the right words for his team at halftime. Only then did they truly succeed in putting more pressure on Japan.
"In the second half, we did a bit more for the game, and in the end, it was rewarded," praised the head coach. The victory was deserved in the end.
"Can't even put it into words"
The victory was secured thanks to super-sub Martinelli, who scored in the sixth minute of added time. "I lack the words to describe the joy in my heart," said the match-winner after the game.
"Seeing all these fans who jumped up, my parents, my friends... I can't even put it into words," he cheered, adding in the same breath that the most important thing for him was "to help the team."
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That he came into the game and not Neymar may have surprised some. But Ancelotti had other plans. "I was saving Neymar for extra time. He would have been brought on in the 105th minute if we hadn't scored a second goal," he revealed.
Japan devastated
Naturally, there was great sadness among the Japanese. "I'm very disappointed. I'm just devastated right now," said Japan's head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who intended to make no reproaches to his players. "They gave everything today, just as they have done on their way here."
He wanted to accept the result and "use it to become even stronger as a team."
Perhaps a bit of praise from the opponent will help. "Japan was well-organised and played with great intensity. They were not an easy opponent; they defended intensely but fairly," said Carlo Ancelotti.
Even if that is likely only small comfort for Japan.
