On Monday, a stoppage-time Gabriel Martinelli winner helped Brazil to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in the 2026 World Cup, while Germany shockingly fell to a premature exit against Paraguay on penalties.
Additionally, Netherlands and Morocco played out a gritty 1-1 draw on Tuesday, with the Atlas Lions coming out on top on penalties as well.
With both Germany and the Netherlands out in the last 32, the tournament is set up for a potential dark horse to clinch World Cup glory in this year’s edition.
Ancelotti: ‘Our most complete game’
“This was the most complete game we have played [at the World Cup],” Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said, per Sky Sports.
“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 half-time 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,” he added.
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