Brazil broke records against Japan.
Their 2-1 win was the first comeback victory in a knockout match after half-time since 1978. Gabriel Martinelli’s winning strike was also the latest winning goal in normal time of a knockout stage World Cup match since 1966.
But was it deserved? You’d have to say so – albeit with some hesitation.
Japan on the Front Foot
In the first half, Japan’s high press and direct approach caught out Brazil’s midfield, in particular Casemiro, who picked up a yellow card and ran into two different teammates all within the first half.
A loose pass from Brazil’s makeshift right-back Danilo saw Japan pounce. Casemiro lacked the recovery pace to prevent Sano breaking through, who slotted home from just outside the box to take the lead.
Carlo Ancelotti was left with a difficult decision at half-time. Was the Italian going to substitute Casemiro and spare him the misery of another run around in the middle?
Instead, it was Lucas Paqueta who was removed for Endrick, who appeared to pick up a knock at the end of the first half. This certainly raised plenty of eyebrows from those within the stadium that Casemiro was given another chance, despite being one wrong move away from receiving his marching orders.
And yet the second half could not have been more contrasting. Japan decided to sit back and defend their 1-0 lead. In fact, Japan only created 0.05xG after scoring in the 29th minute. The Blue Samurai dropped deeper and deeper and invited Brazil to swarm their box – a decision Hajime Moriyasu may well regret for quite some time.
Brazil Come Back
In the blink of an eye, Casemiro went from villain to hero.
His header from point blank range dragged Brazil level, mere moments after a similar effort was blocked. He went on to collect the player of the match award. How funny the game can be.
Japan’s decision to retreat allowed Brazil to grow a foot taller in confidence and it was Bruno Guimarães’ perfectly weighted pass to Martinelli deep into added time that saw Brazil complete the comeback.
The touch, composure and finish was elite – and while Martinelli will dominate the headlines for his winner, the pass from Bruno was the cherry on top for what was arguably one of the best performances at the World Cup to date.
Guimarães Outstanding, but Questions Remain
He was everywhere. Winning balls, pressing opponents and driving forward – Guimarães’ confidence was infectious from start to finish. With four assists, he’s currently top of that table as Brazil await either Ivory Coast or Norway in the round of 16.
Yet once again it was Brazil’s sluggish moments that remain a cause for concern. Casemiro, although on the scoresheet and dominant on the ball in the second half, was suffocated and forced into mistakes in the opening 45 minutes. Against one of Europe’s elite, the 34-year-old is bound to struggle.
Ancelotti, having witnessed this against Morocco and Japan, must be aware of his midfielder’s limitations. His replacement, however, is Fabinho, another player that lacks pace over the first few yards.
Can Ancelotti Take Risks?
And so their Italian head coach may have to re-think his formation moving forward. If Casemiro is to remain in the starting XI, there’s no doubt an extra body is required in the middle.
Matheus Cunha played a deeper role in the second half which allowed Endrick to lead the line. His moments were limited, but his movement alongside Rayan and Vinicius Junior saw Brazil move the ball quicker – exactly what Ancelotti stated he wanted to see in his press conference pre-Japan.
But despite Brazil’s flaws, they’ve made it to the round of 16. Lessons have been learnt. Japan warned Ancelotti. However, if he doesn’t take those on board for the next round, and if adjustments aren’t made, Brazil’s run in this World Cup could soon come to an end.
Brazil remain in the World Cup by the skin of their teeth. Yet this side is capable of producing big moments at the right time, and as many flaws as this squad has, both Norway and the Ivory Coast will be wary of their ability to score goals out of nothing – and that could be the difference for Ancelotti this summer.
