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

Brazil’s 2-1 win over Japan under Carlo Ancelotti highlighted how midfield decisions can swing a FIFA World Cup match, even when pressure builds at halftime. Brazil trailed 1-0 and faced the prospect of being eliminated before the last 16 of the 2026 tournament. With Lucas Paquetá injured, Ancelotti used substitutions after the break, and Endrick, Neymar-related speculation, and Igor Thiago were all discussed as potential options. The game turned when Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal in the final minute of normal time. Ancelotti’s adjustment also involved replacing Casemiro at halftime; the holding midfielder had struggled and was on a yellow card after being beaten for Japan’s goal. Casemiro then helped restore parity with a header at the far post, and the match ended 2-1 for Brazil.