Craque Neto blasts Ancelotti over Neymar snub after Brazil’s Japan win
Craque Neto blasted Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti after Brazil’s 2-1 win over Japan in the World Cup Round of 32 on Monday in Texas. Casemiro headed the equalizer in the 56th minute and Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the 95th minute, after Kaishu Sano gave Japan an early lead in the 29th minute. Despite the victory, Neto accused Ancelotti, the coaching staff and medical department of ‘messing around’ for leaving Neymar on the bench, demanding the star be used immediately rather than saved for later rounds. He also criticized forward Matheus Cunha for lacking effort, asking why Danilo Santos wasn’t introduced instead. The five‑time champions struggled in the first half but improved after the break to secure a Round of 16 clash with either Ivory Coast or Norway.
For Nigerian fans following Brazil’s campaign, the public dissent highlights potential friction within the squad and questions whether Brazil can rely on moments of brilliance from substitutes alone. It also raises the issue of how high‑profile players are managed in tight knockout matches.
Will you back Ancelotti’s decision to keep Neymar out, or do you believe Brazil needs its talisman on the pitch to sustain a World Cup challenge?