Sports
Carlo Ancelotti Explains Why He Didn’t Celebrate Brazil’s Winner v Japan
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has brilliantly explained why he didn’t celebrate Gabriel Martinelli’s last-gasp winner against Japan at the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil were impressed in the group stage as they topped Group C. Their reward for going unbeaten in their three group matches was a tricky last 32 tie with Japan.
Japan, who had been considered one of the competition’s ‘dark horses’, took the lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano’s strike nestled into the bottom corner.
Brazil were much better in the second half, and they drew level 11 minutes after half-time when Casemiro headed home.
Ancelotti, considered one of the greatest managers in football history, subbed on Gabriel Martinelli midway through the second half with the hope he could win the match for his side. The Arsenal star did just that in the sixth minute of stoppage-time as his effort found the back of the net via the post.
Carlo Ancelotti Explains Why He Didn’t Celebrate Brazil’s Progression
Brazil’s players and staff went crazy as they celebrated Martinelli’s 96th-minute winner. Ancelotti, meanwhile, did not celebrate the goal.
With a glum expression on his face, Ancelotti turned his back on the celebrations before talking through tactics with a few of his staff members.
Ancelotti has now explained the reason for his actions, saying that it was down to respect. He said, per The Tribune:
“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.”
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Ancelotti Praises Brazil’s Performance
Ancelotti also expressed his pleasure at Brazil’s display. He said, per Football365:
“This was the most complete game we have played (at the World Cup). We had trouble in the first half as Japan were defending well, they were close and tight to us.
“In the second half, we overcame it, we got some space and put in crosses. This was an evolution (in tactics) for sure.
“At halftime I said to the players to be patient, because sooner or later we would score a goal. But we had to keep our shape to ensure we did not compromise the game further.
“Japan is a very good team, very organised, they create dangerous opportunities and get close (defensively). They are physical.”
Brazil will face either Norway or Ivory Coast in the last 16 of the competition. The match will take place at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 5.
Iran have posted a statement hitting out at US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin for his comments after their World Cup exit.
Iran’s time at this year’s tournament in North America came to an end last weekend in dramatic fashion. After draws against Belgium and New Zealand, Team Melli knew a victory over Egypt in their final group match on Saturday would see them progress to the last 32.
Amir Ghalenoei’s side thought they had scored a last-gasp winner at Seattle Stadium when Shoja Khalilzadeh found the back of the net. The goal was chalked off for the tightest of offside calls, though, meaning they had to settle for a draw.
Despite that disappointment, Iran still had a chance of progressing as one of the eight best-performing third-placed sides. However, they were knocked out of the competition after Austria’s 96th minute equaliser against Algeria.
‘One of Donald Trump’s Key Allies’ Celebrates Iran’s World Cup Exit
Iran’s football team has faced multiple hardships during this summer’s World Cup amid the war between the two countries.
While Iran were allowed to play their matches in the United States, they were not allowed to stay in the country for a prolonged period and were forced to travel to and from Mexico in between games.
Iran lodged an official complaint to FIFA due to their travel issues, with head coach Amir Ghalenoei describing themselves as ‘the most oppressed’ team at the World Cup, while captain Mehdi Terami also hit out at FIFA and the United States for the hardships they were forced to endure.
Mullin, described as ‘one of Donald Trump’s key allies, has now expressed his relief at Iran’s group stage elimination in a World Cup briefing at the government’s Special Event Coordination Centre on Monday. He told reporters, per the Telegraph:
“I’m just glad they’re [Iran] done, and they’re not coming back. I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the US soil, and I might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance. I’m very happy they’re going back because there wasn’t a single team that we dealt with more than them.”
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Iran Hit Out at Mullin
Iran have not reacted well to Mullin’s comments. An official for the FFIRI said: “Iranians are used to the mistreatment and lies of US officials, so no one in Iran is surprised by these hostile remarks.
“These remarks once again demonstrate that U.S. officials have no commitment to international law or the principles expected of a host nation capable of organising a global sporting event.
“The fact that he openly celebrates Iran’s elimination says far more about him than it does about our team. It reflects a level of pettiness that cannot even tolerate the presence of a football team competing on the world’s biggest stage.
“After our match against New Zealand, our head coach [Amir Ghalenoei] said that the United States did not want Iran to remain in this tournament because of the inhumane and unprofessional treatment our team experienced. These latest comments only reinforce that belief.”
Manchester United are pushing to sign multiple midfielders in the summer transfer window, and one has now travelled to Manchester in order to undergo a medical ahead of a move.
The Red Devils are in the market for midfielders, and they have reached a full agreement to sign Atalanta star Ederson in the summer transfer window.
It appears that the Brazilian international isn’t the only midfielder who is going to be arriving through the door at Old Trafford before the window closes in September.
The Manchester club are heavily focusing on reinforcements in the middle of the park after Casemiro left the club earlier this summer.
An injury to Manuel Ugarte isn’t going to impact their plans, according to David Ornstein, with Mateus Fernandes their immediate priority.
Club in Pole Position to Sign Mateus Fernandes After Man Utd and Tottenham Talks
Manchester United and Spurs are trying to sign Mateus Fernandes this summer
Midfielder Heads to Man Utd for Medical
According to a report from The Athletic, young midfielder Cristian Orozco has travelled to Manchester to undergo a medical at Manchester United ahead of his move from Fortaleza CF.
The 17-year-old will officially become a United player when he turns 18 next month, with a deal agreed back in September.
The youngster turns 18 in July, and he’s represented Colombia at under-17 level, playing his domestic football in the Colombian top flight.
Orozco is unlikely to come in and become a first-team signing for United at the moment, considering his age. There’s no doubt they’re likely to sign another midfielder this summer.
It looks set to be a busy few weeks for United as they look to get multiple deals over the line.
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England World Cup Quiz
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Man Utd Leading Fernandes Race
Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign West Ham midfielder Fernandes despite strong interest from Tottenham.
Both clubs are in the race to secure the signature of Fernandes, and the Portuguese midfielder is seemingly keen on a move to either club.
Alongside strengthening the first team, United are also looking to improve their academy as they aim to head back in the right direction after a difficult few years.
There was a vast improvement in the second half of last season, but there’s no doubt they still need to go to the next level.
Fernandes would certainly help improve their starting XI, giving them fresh options ahead of a season in the Champions League.
Manchester United are pushing to sign multiple midfielders in the summer transfer window, and one has now travelled to Manchester in order to undergo a medical ahead of a move.
The Red Devils are in the market for midfielders, and they have reached a full agreement to sign Atalanta star Ederson in the summer transfer window.
It appears that the Brazilian international isn’t the only midfielder who is going to be arriving through the door at Old Trafford before the window closes in September.
The Manchester club are heavily focusing on reinforcements in the middle of the park after Casemiro left the club earlier this summer.
An injury to Manuel Ugarte isn’t going to impact their plans, according to David Ornstein, with Mateus Fernandes their immediate priority.
Club in Pole Position to Sign Mateus Fernandes After Man Utd and Tottenham Talks
Manchester United and Spurs are trying to sign Mateus Fernandes this summer
Midfielder Heads to Man Utd for Medical
According to a report from The Athletic, young midfielder Cristian Orozco has travelled to Manchester to undergo a medical at Manchester United ahead of his move from Fortaleza CF.
The 17-year-old will officially become a United player when he turns 18 next month, with a deal agreed back in September.
The youngster turns 18 in July, and he’s represented Colombia at under-17 level, playing his domestic football in the Colombian top flight.
Orozco is unlikely to come in and become a first-team signing for United at the moment, considering his age. There’s no doubt they’re likely to sign another midfielder this summer.
It looks set to be a busy few weeks for United as they look to get multiple deals over the line.
⚽
England World Cup Quiz
You scored
out of 20
Man Utd Leading Fernandes Race
Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign West Ham midfielder Fernandes despite strong interest from Tottenham.
Both clubs are in the race to secure the signature of Fernandes, and the Portuguese midfielder is seemingly keen on a move to either club.
Alongside strengthening the first team, United are also looking to improve their academy as they aim to head back in the right direction after a difficult few years.
There was a vast improvement in the second half of last season, but there’s no doubt they still need to go to the next level.
Fernandes would certainly help improve their starting XI, giving them fresh options ahead of a season in the Champions League.
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