Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has explained his decision not to introduce Neymar during Brazil’s dramatic World Cup Round of 32 victory over Japan.
Speaking after the match, Ancelotti said the original plan was to keep Neymar fresh for extra time. However, Brazil’s late equalizer changed the course of the game, making the substitution unnecessary.
“I was saving Neymar for extra time,” Ancelotti reportedly said. “I spoke with him, and if we hadn’t equalized, he would have come on in the 60th or 65th minute.”
The decision sparked plenty of discussion among fans, many of whom expected Brazil’s star forward to feature earlier in the match. Despite Neymar remaining on the bench, Brazil completed a comeback victory to book their place in the Round of 16.
With Brazil still alive in the tournament, supporters will now be eager to see when Neymar makes his first appearance of the knockout stage.
