Santos AP Overview

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed exactly why Neymar remained an unused substitute during the Selecao's dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Japan. Despite the Santos superstar warming up in front of a captivated Houston crowd, he was sent back to the bench as the game reached its climax.

Gabriel Martinelli was left speechless after his dramatic stoppage-time strike completed a tense comeback for Brazil against Japan. The Arsenal forward kept his cool in the dying embers of the game to ensure the Selecao avoided a monumental World Cup upset in Texas.

Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano has delivered a sobering assessment of the Samurai Blue's World Cup exit, insisting that performing well is no substitute for winning after a dramatic knockout defeat to Brazil. Despite a valiant effort that saw them push the South American giants to the limit, the 2026 World Cup journey ended in heartbreak for Hajime Moriyasu's side.

Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli got the goals as Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston to progress to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The five-time champions appeared to be heading for an embarrassingly early exit after falling behind to a terrific first-half strike from Kaishu Sano, who found the bottom corner of Alisson Becker's net with a low shot after pouncing on a misplaced pass from Danilo.