Ancelotti explains why Neymar stayed on the bench in Brazil win

Carlo Ancelotti revealed why Neymar remained an unused substitute during Brazil's dramatic 2-1 comeback against Japan in Houston. The Santos superstar warmed up on the touchline as the game reached its climax but was sent back to the bench. Ancelotti said on the pitch: "We were waiting for Neymar for extra time.

I spoke with him, he would have come in in the 60th or 65th minute. We equalised the game, and I didn't want to change the structure because the team had control of the game." Brazil had trailed after a lacklustre first half as Japan looked organised and dangerous on the counter.

Casemiro levelled in the 56th minute, shifting momentum in the Selecao's favour. While the Houston crowd clamoured for Neymar, super-sub Gabriel Martinelli scored the decisive goal in the 96th minute to avoid an additional 30 minutes. Ancelotti highlighted the squad's depth and versatility after the match, saying: "We have a lot of options, on the bench and on the pitch.

United States, Houston

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