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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.

EXCLUSIVE: GOAL sat down with the 21-year-old rising star to discuss his big moment, how he got there, and the responsibility he feels to chase more

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.