Brazil’s performance in the 2-1 victory over Japan, this Monday (29), which guaranteed the team’s qualification to the round of 16 of the World Cup, was not well received by the international press.
In general, the media criticized the performance of Carlo Ancelotti’s team and classified Gabriel Martinelli’s goal, in stoppage time, as a “savior”. In the opinion of the newspapers, Brazil is still not convincing in the World Cup and will need to show more to face Ivory Coast or Norway in the round of 16.
The Athletic
The New York Times sports platform classified Brazil’s first half as bland. “A comeback crowned by goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli in stoppage time sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory.”
The outlet also highlighted that, if eliminated, Brazil would record its worst World Cup performance since 1966. “That was the last time they were eliminated in the group stage of a World Cup, but there were only 16 teams in that tournament.”
The Team
“Without convincing, Brazil saves itself in stoppage time against Japan.” This is how L’Équipe summarized the classification of the team led by Carlo Ancelotti.
“An apathetic Brazil, which defends in 4-4-2 like Carlo Ancelotti’s Milan when he was a player, but attacks in an all too predictable 4-3-3, with Vinicius Jr. in a very centralized position to gain speed, and the Casemiro-Danilo duo in the eye of the storm”, wrote the French newspaper.
For L’Équipe, the team will need to show “much more” to continue in the fight for a sixth title and overcome Ivory Coast or Norway in the round of 16, especially after what it defined as “a regrettable first half”.
Ole
According to the newspaper, Japan had the patience to withstand Brazilian pressure and take advantage of opportunities, but failed in the final minutes. “Brazil has not yet appeared in the World Cup”, he concluded.
Mark
The Spanish newspaper assessed that the Brazilian victory demonstrated personality. “The team turned against Japan to qualify for the round of 16 with suffering and also with merit.”
For Marca, the Japanese goal exposed a problem the team already knew. “Brazil’s hole on the right flank was already announced before the World Cup, especially after Wesley’s injury. Ancelotti seemed to find a solution in the first game by bringing on Danilo. The veteran defender made a childish mistake.”
The publication attributed the turnaround to Ancelotti’s confidence in his main players. “Among them, [Bruno] Guimarães, which is used both for cutting and building. Bruno received the ball at the edge of the area, faked the shot and gave the pass for Martinelli to solve with class in the 50th minute of the second half. There the Japanese rebellion died, a victim of its conformism.”
Sports World
“Brazil agonizing, suffering, on the verge of extra time, but in the round of 16 of the World Cup”, defined Mundo Deportivo.
The Catalan newspaper sees the Asian team in order, but failing to give space to Brazil. “Japan is an organized team, capable of punishing mistakes, paying attention to the game. But, when you let Brazil create chances, it’s easy for Casemiro to head in to score thanks to the strength of his shirt or for, in the last breath, an Ancelotti substitute to turn the score around”, stated the Catalan newspaper.
