Kept like a joker! Ancelotti explains why Neymar never came on
Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
Carlo Ancelotti has explained why Neymar did not make an appearance in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup round of 16 clash against Japan.
Details: Brazil edged out Japan 2-1 and advanced to the next round thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Neymar spent the entire match on the bench, even though the coaching staff had considered bringing him on.
According to Ancelotti, Neymar was being saved in case the match went to extra time. The head coach noted that the forward could have been brought on after the 60th or 65th minute, but after Brazil equalized, he decided not to alter the team’s structure.
"We equalized, and I decided not to change the structure of the game because the team was in control," Ancelotti told Globo Esporte.
The coach also emphasized that Brazil has plenty of resources both on the pitch and on the bench. He said the team should value the individual strengths of its players, but also take into account how a particular match unfolds.
Ancelotti singled out the quality of the opposition, describing Japan as a tough and very organized team. The match was indeed a hard-fought battle for Brazil, with the winning goal only coming in added time.
Reminder: Casemiro scores against Japan and dedicates his goal to his son in the stands
