🚨 Carlo Ancelotti on why he did not celebrate wildly after Gabriel Martinelli’s late winner for Brazil against Japan:
🗣️ “People asked me why I didn’t celebrate, but football is also about respect. Yes, we were happy to win, but I looked across and saw a Japanese team that had given absolutely everything. They fought with incredible courage, and I know exactly how painful a defeat like that can be.”
“Of course I celebrated inside because my responsibility is to Brazil and qualifying was our objective. But I’ve been in football for many years, and I’ve experienced both victory and heartbreak. Sometimes the best way to respect your opponent is to remain humble in your biggest moments.”
“Japan made us suffer for ninety-five minutes. They deserved our respect, not exaggerated celebrations. Brazil are through, but we know we must improve. Tonight we celebrate the qualification, but tomorrow we go back to work because the World Cup only gets more difficult from here.”
{@FoxNews }
🚨 Xabi Alonso on Japan’s first-half performance against Brazil:
🗣️ “Take the score away for a second and just watch the football. Japan have been outstanding. This isn’t a team hanging on against Brazil—this is a team playing with complete confidence, organisation and belief. They’ve made one of the biggest football nations in the world look uncomfortable.”
“People spent the entire week talking about Brazil’s stars, but football has never been about names alone. Japan have pressed together, defended together and attacked with purpose. Every player understands his role, every movement has meaning, and that’s why Brazil have struggled to impose themselves. This has been one of the smartest tactical performances of the tournament.”
“What impresses me the most is the mentality. Japan haven’t played with fear for a single second. They’ve looked brave in possession, aggressive without the ball and completely committed to their game plan. Sano, Kamada, Doan and the rest have shown incredible personality, while the defensive unit has made Brazil work for every opportunity.”
“This is the beauty of football. Expensive squads don’t win matches by themselves—teams do. Right now Japan have looked hungrier, sharper and more disciplined than Brazil. If Brazil don’t find another level in the second half, this could become one of the biggest World Cup shocks we’ve seen in years.”
{@Sports }