Brazil secured a 2-1 victory over Japan in the World Cup last 32 on Monday in Texas, but the performance drew sharp criticism from former Brazil international Craque Neto, who took aim at manager Carlo Ancelotti and several players, including Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha.
Japan takes early lead
Japan opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano, putting the five-time champions on the back foot. Brazil struggled in the first half but improved after the break. Casemiro equalised with a header in the 56th minute, and Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the 95th minute off an assist from Gabriel Magalhães.
The win books Brazil a spot in the last 16 against either Ivory Coast or Norway. However, despite the result, Brazil have not looked convincing as potential World Cup winners.
Neto's criticism of Ancelotti and Neymar
Craque Neto, who earned 15 caps for Brazil from 1988 to 1993, expressed frustration over Ancelotti's decision to leave Neymar on the bench while Brazil searched for a goal in the second half. "What a lie this is about Neymar, the coaching staff, the medical department. They're messing around," Neto said in a social media video. "Against Japan? Not playing him? Put the guy in to play. When are you going to play Neymar? In the quarterfinals? In the semi-finals? In the final? What a joke."
Neto also criticised Matheus Cunha, saying, "Matheus Cunha was walking, Rayan… Why didn't you put Danilo (Santos) in?" He added, "Congratulations to Martinelli for the goal. Suffering is part of the game, that's fine. But playing in a mediocre way, without positioning… if it weren't for [Gabriel] Magalhães [assist], the equalising goal wouldn't have happened."
Ancelotti explains Neymar decision
Ancelotti addressed why he did not use Neymar against Japan, stating he planned to bring him on if the game went to extra time or if Brazil had not equalised when they did. "I was expecting Neymar to come on in extra time," said the Italian. "I told him that if we hadn't tied the game, he would have come on in the 60th or 65th minute. We managed to tie the game, and I didn't want to change the structure because the team had control of the game."
Brazil will now prepare for their last 16 match, with questions lingering over team selection and performance.
