Brazil player ratings vs Japan: Ancelotti’s calm brilliance guides Selecao comeback as Casemiro and Martinelli seal World Cup last-16 spot
Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli were on target as Brazil overturned a deficit to defeat Japan 2-1 in Houston, securing their place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The five-time world champions looked destined for an early exit after Kaishu Sano’s superb first-half strike found the bottom corner of Alisson Becker’s goal, capitalising on a misplaced pass from Danilo.
Carlo Ancelotti, however, remained his composed self. Many expected the Italian to substitute Casemiro at half-time, given the 34-year-old’s failure to close down Sano for the opener, but Ancelotti showed faith in his experienced midfielder. That trust paid off when Casemiro rose to head home the equaliser 11 minutes into the second half.
The turning point came when Ancelotti introduced Gabriel Martinelli. With the game seemingly heading towards extra time, the Arsenal winger struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time, latching onto a clever pass from Bruno Guimaraes before squeezing a shot past Zion Suzuki via the right post — breaking Japanese hearts in dramatic fashion.
Here are the Brazil player ratings as the Selecao booked a last-16 clash with either Norway or Ivory Coast:
Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson Becker (6/10):
Questions were raised about the Liverpool No.1 being beaten from range by Sano, but the shot was inch-perfect, and Alisson could do little despite being at full stretch. His distribution, as always, remained reliable.
Danilo (4/10):
Delivered one decent cross for Guimaraes but struggled overall. His poor pass gifted Japan the opener, and he later picked up a booking for a foul on Daizen Maeda.
Marquinhos (7/10):
The Paris Saint-Germain captain faced some challenges from Japan’s counterattacks but maintained composure throughout, especially in possession.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):
The Arsenal centre-back had a few nervous moments but impressed with his distribution and provided several quality deliveries, one of which led to Casemiro’s equaliser.
Douglas Santos (7/10):
While not quite Roberto Carlos, Santos was a dependable outlet on the left, doing well to head the ball across for Casemiro’s earlier chance that was cleared off the line.
Midfield
Bruno Guimaraes (8/10):
The Newcastle United star constantly drove forward and looked to create openings, taking three shots in the first half alone. His decisive pass set up Martinelli’s match-winner.
Casemiro (7/10):
Many thought he would be withdrawn at the break, especially after a poor first half and an early yellow card. Instead, Ancelotti kept faith, and Casemiro rewarded him by heading in the leveller after already seeing one effort cleared off the line.
Lucas Paqueta (6/10):
Forced off at half-time with an injury, which was unfortunate given his lively first half that included two shots and two created chances. With Casemiro also limping off late, Ancelotti may face midfield selection concerns in the next round.
Attack
Rayan (6/10):
Worked hard on the right flank and showed flashes of promise. His key contribution came late, regaining possession in the Japanese box during the buildup to Martinelli’s winner.
Matheus Cunha (5/10):
Bright in the first half with a few long-range efforts but faded after Endrick’s introduction. The Manchester United forward was substituted in the 66th minute after losing influence.
Vinicius Junior (7/10):
Struggled to make an impact before the break as Japan sat deep but grew into the game following the equaliser. Unlucky not to score when Zion Suzuki pushed his shot onto the post after a dazzling solo run.
Subs & Manager
Endrick (6/10):
Replaced the injured Paqueta at half-time and impressed with his link-up play.
Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):
Came on for Cunha midway through the second half and netted the decisive goal deep into injury time.
Fabinho (N/A):
Entered late to replace Casemiro, who appeared to pick up a knock during stoppage time.
Danilo Santos (N/A):
Introduced in the dying moments to help run down the clock.
Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):
Brazil were on the ropes at half-time, but Ancelotti once again showcased why he is regarded as one of football’s calmest and most astute managers. His decision to persist with Casemiro and later bring on Martinelli in a more central role proved decisive. This is precisely the leadership Brazil sought when appointing him — a master tactician at work.
