Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner for Brazil against Japan in the World Cup on Monday, playing in a central striker role requested by manager Carlo Ancelotti, a position he does not usually occupy at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.
Brazil come from behind to reach last 16
Brazil secured their place in the last 16 of the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston. The match saw Brazil come from behind after Japan took the lead, with Martinelli striking the killer blow deep into stoppage time to break Japanese hearts. The 25-year-old Arsenal forward was introduced in the 66th minute and deployed centrally, rather than his usual left-sided role for the Gunners.
Martinelli on Ancelotti's tactical instructions
Speaking after the match, Martinelli revealed that Ancelotti had been coaching him on how to play as a central striker. 'At Arsenal I don't play that position, but I can,' he told Caze TV. '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 explained the substitution, saying: '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.'
Ancelotti's centre-forward rotation continues
Ancelotti has varied his choice of centre-forward during the tournament. Igor Thiago started the first 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 winner came in the 96th minute, securing a dramatic victory.
Martinelli's emotional reaction
After netting the late winner, an emotional 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.'
Bloodied eye and team progress
The Arsenal man revealed he suffered a bloodied eye during the match after catching an elbow while going up for 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 praised the team's performance, calling it 'the most complete of the Cup.' He added: '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.'
