Martinelli Saves the Day: 4 Lessons from Brazil's Dramatic Victory Against Japan


On Monday afternoon in Houston, the Brazilian team, under the command of Carlo Ancelotti, fought hard to achieve a thrilling injury-time victory against a determined Japanese team. It was a game in which the CONMEBOL team had to do their best, and now the Seleção's search for its sixth world trophy, the first in more than two decades, continues. For Japan, despite the defeat, the team can be very proud of its participation in the World Cup, facing great teams and never feeling inferior. Today, it was a courageous performance that, unfortunately, was not enough. Young Endrick stood out at the start of the second half, trying to generate a spark, and it worked as Casemiro equalized. In the end, Brazil dominated the second half, and Ancelotti's changes proved correct, with Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli finding the winner in stoppage time. Here are my takeaways: 1. Brazil Changed the Game in the Second Half (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) What Ancelotti said in the locker room at half-time really worked. Brazil started to play more like they know, using the final third more quickly. Vinícius Jr also grew in the game and almost scored a goal in the second half. Rayan also improved. If Brazil wants to win this World Cup, they need to believe more in their own football and trust the Joga Bonito mentality. Furthermore, there is a reason why the Italian coach came to manage this team, and it was because of his management during the game, like today: 2. Ancelotti's Decisions Worked Perfectly (Photo by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) Ancelotti made some important decisions, and they worked perfectly. He decided to keep Casemiro, despite a poor first half (more on that below), and brought in Endrick, who definitely brought a new energy. Bruno Guimarães also stood his ground despite not having a good first half, and it was his assist that set up the winning goal for Gabriel Martinelli, who also came on as a substitute. 3. Japan fought to the end (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images) Hajime Moriyasu's team was excellent in the first half and won almost every battle against Ancelotti's team. Japan placed five men on the defensive line and focused on neutralizing any type of play between Brazil, especially with Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá, who failed to produce anything in the first 45 minutes. The latter, unfortunately, was injured at half-time due to a left ankle injury. Thanks to Japan's strength, Brazil ended that first half with a long list of corrections to make, as they knew they were playing apathetically and without ideas. The Samurai Blue, not in their traditional blue kit and looking more like Germany, opened the scoring thanks to a fantastic interception and goal from Kaishu Sano, who plays for Mainz in the Bundesliga. It was a classic goal on a Japanese counterattack, and Brazil really needed to take advantage of their chances or change several things. But after scoring, the Asian team was content to protect itself, and the first half belonged to Japan. Be proud, Samurai Blue. You continue to evolve. 4. Casemiro Fought. Then He Scored. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) One of the requirementsThe most important things when playing against Japan is that their midfield needs to be protected. And Casemiro, the legendary Brazilian midfielder, unfortunately showed his age against this dynamic Japan. His distribution and ability to cover defenders were questionable, and when you face an energetic Japanese midfield, you end up exposed. Unfortunately, the first half of it was weak. Things intensified for Brazil as they grew in possession and attempts, and Casemiro came close to equalizing, had it not been for a dramatic save on the line. But the former Manchester United player, who had a great goalscoring season in the last league, equalized in the 56th minute, thanks to an assist from Arsenal's Gabriel, and made it 1-1. It was yet another reason to never underestimate its importance.

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