Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner for Brazil against Japan at the World Cup on Monday, playing in a central striker role under Carlo Ancelotti that differs from the left-sided position he occupies at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.
Martinelli's match-winning contribution
Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston, securing their place in the last 16. Martinelli was introduced in the 66th minute and struck the decisive goal deep into stoppage time, breaking Japanese hearts.
The 25-year-old was deployed centrally rather than his usual wide role, a tactical shift that paid off handsomely. Martinelli told Caze TV: 'At Arsenal I don't play that position, but I can. The manager has been talking to me about how I can play in that role, playing centrally. I'm happy to help the team regardless of the position. On the pitch, I'll try to help Brazil in the best way possible.'
Ancelotti's tactical explanation
Ancelotti explained the decision to bring Martinelli on and change his position: 'It was mainly to bring fresh blood onto the field. Martinelli has a lot of intensity, he's a very important option because when he comes on he's always at a high level. His position allowed Vini to play a little wider.'
The Brazilian manager has rotated his centre-forward options during the tournament. Igor Thiago started the opening match, a 1-1 draw with Morocco, but has not featured since. Matheus Cunha has since led the line but was replaced by Martinelli against Japan.
Martinelli's emotional reaction
After netting the late winner, Martinelli said: 'I don't even have words to describe the joy in my heart seeing the Brazilian people happy with the qualification. My family, wife, parents, my friends… I can't even explain what I'm feeling right now. I think it will only sink in after a while. The other day [against Scotland] I hit the post. I knew I would have another opportunity and thank God I managed to score the winning goal. Very happy with the performance of everyone who gave their all.'
The Arsenal star also revealed he played through a bloodied eye after catching an elbow during a header. 'I went to block for Gabi (Magalhães) and I think their full-back elbowed me, but it was worth it,' he said.
Ancelotti's assessment of the victory
Ancelotti praised his team's performance, calling it 'the most complete of the Cup.' He said: 'I was confident, the team was playing well. We encountered difficulties due to the strength of the opponent, a very respectable team, very well organised, very dangerous, strong players, physical duels. But the team wasn't lost, like in the first half against Morocco. Today's game was the most complete of the Cup. I think we struggled more in the first half, Japan was very well organised defensively, and we managed to find solutions in the second half. I think that's progress.'
