There wasn’t much Samba in the first half. Japan scored in the 29th minute .For the rest of that half Brazil played more to the tune of Don McLean (American Pie ,the day the music died) rather than showing off any Samba moves.
Then Carlo obviously said something to them at halftime. He may have reminded them of the miracle of Istanbul .Or he might have reminded them that had been down by one goal to Japan before. (In the 2006 world cup the other Ronaldo had led Brazil to a 4-1 win against Japan after having been one goal down for a bit.)
What ever it was they came out with all guns firing in the second half. The Samba was back in their stride.
Martinelli’s winning goal – click on the pic.
Things started to go south for Japan when Casemiro equalized in the 56th minute.
They left the winner a bit late though. After samba-ing around for about 90+6 minutes Tanaka’s mistake ,a brilliant bit of passing and a clinical finish from Martinelli was required to finally send Japan crashing out.
Hajime Moriyasu (the Japanese coach) has lots of “Light Yagami” jokes about him on the net. He did his best but didn’t have his death note with him this time.
( Matheus cunha was seen consoling Tanaka for his mistake showing just how much of a sportsman he is) – LP
Highlights ..
