How can Brazil stop Haaland? It might come down to their midfielders

Brazil’s path in the 2026 FIFA World Cup was shaped by tactical midfield decisions after they fell behind at halftime and faced the risk of elimination by Japan. With Lucas Paquetá injured, coach Carlo Ancelotti turned to substitutions, including Endrick, before Brazil drew level and ultimately won 2-1 with a last-minute goal by Gabriel Martinelli in normal time. The piece highlights a strategic reversal involving Vinícius Júnior’s space as Brazil tried to stretch Japan’s back line on both flanks. It also centers on Casemiro: the holding midfielder was beaten for Japan’s goal and was on a yellow card before Ancelotti replaced him at halftime. Casemiro then contributed directly to Brazil’s equalizer, and the article frames his role as critical for balance, structure, and freeing Bruno Guimarães. The piece also reviews how Casemiro returned to Brazil and improved the team’s organization.