World-class manager who once panned "Korean soccer" suffers crushing defeat to Japan, receives a barrage of praise: "Top level in the world... The coach is also excellent"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Carlo Ancelotti, the renowned manager and head coach of the Brazil national soccer team, showered praise on the organization and competitiveness of the Japan national team. This stood in stark contrast to his cold tactical critique following a 5-0 rout of South Korea just one year ago, vividly illustrating the widening gap between the two countries' soccer programs.

Japanese soccer specialist media outlet "Soccer King" reported in detail on statements made by head coach Ancelotti at an official press conference held after Brazil's 2-3 loss to Japan in a friendly match at the Singapore National Stadium, citing Brazilian media outlet "Globo" on the 15th.

Despite the disappointment of the defeat, head coach Ancelotti highly evaluated the level of Japanese soccer. He stated, "Japan is a very organized team that effectively neutralized our counterattacks by appropriately utilizing rough play and fouls," adding, "As I said before the match, Hajime Moriyasu's coaching is excellent. Japan is a true powerhouse. They are a team capable of competing at the top level in the world." Ancelotti himself was left speechless as he suffered his second loss in three head-to-head encounters against Japan.

The day before, Brazil had deployed a strong lineup featuring Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes (both Arsenal), and Estevao (Chelsea), yet still took a blow from Japan. After conceding consecutive goals to Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) in the 15th minute of the first half and Keito Nakamura in the 19th minute of the first half, Brazil equalized at 2-2 with a brace by Vinicius, but ultimately fell after conceding the winning goal to Tatsuhiro Sakamoto during stoppage time in the second half.

With this, Japan secured its second all-time victory over Brazil, following a 3-2 comeback win at home last October, and avenged its 1-2 loss in the Round of 32 of the 2026 North-Central America World Cup in June.

Head coach Ancelotti also explained the situation in which he received a red card along with Raphinha for protesting from the bench immediately after conceding during stoppage time in the second half. He said, "Players ran onto the pitch, and I was sent off because I failed to properly control the bench," adding, "We attempted a high press but instead left space behind our defense, and Japan's counterattacks were very threatening. However, the referee lacked the experience to officiate a match of this level, and the decisions affected the result," expressing dissatisfaction.

Head coach Ancelotti's attitude, acknowledging Japan as a powerhouse, stands in sharp contrast to his assessment left immediately after crushing South Korea 5-0 at Seoul World Cup Stadium last October. At that time, South Korea collapsed helplessly under Brazil's relentless attack, suffering a humiliating defeat by a five-goal margin.

After that match, head coach Ancelotti pointed out regarding South Korea's defensive tactics, "They set up in a back three and applied strong pressure from the midfield, but there were mistakes in that approach, and the gaps between defensive lines widened, causing them difficulties." When asked whether the cause of South Korea's crushing defeat was player skill or tactical differences, he answered succinctly, "It is because Brazil's level was high," clearly drawing a line regarding the difference in level between the two teams.

The world-renowned manager who had impressed upon South Korea an overwhelming class difference a year ago now offered praise to Japan as a "powerhouse that works at the top level." Coincidentally, on the day South Korea tasted humiliation for the first time in 21 years by losing 2-3 to Saudi Arabia, ranked 55th in the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) rankings, Japan defeated Brazil, ranked 6th, once again, starkly revealing the current state of the two nations.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original