World Cup 2026: ‘You’re messing around’ – Neto slams Ancelotti over Brazil’s performance

Corinthians legend, Craque Neto, has criticized Brazilian coach, Carlo Ancelotti regarding Brazil’s performance against Japan and his decision not to include Neymar in the match.

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Brazil successfully advanced past Japan in the Round of 32 of the World Cup, thanks to goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli.

Nevertheless, Neto expressed his discontent with Ancelotti and certain players following the 2-1 victory.

The five-time champions faced difficulties on Monday in Texas after Kaishu Sano netted the first goal for Japan in the 29th minute.

The initial half was disappointing for the favorites, but they showed significant improvement after halftime.

Casemiro equalized with a header in the 56th minute, but the decisive goal did not arrive until deep into injury time.

Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, who came off the bench, scored in the 95th minute, securing a matchup against Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16.

While Brazil has not convincingly demonstrated their status as potential World Cup champions, they managed to secure the win against Japan.

However, Craque Neto, who earned 15 caps for Brazil between 1988 and 1993, had pointed criticisms for Ancelotti and some players.

Neto was particularly puzzled by Neymar’s absence from the pitch as Brazil sought a goal in the second half.

“What a lie this is about Neymar, the coaching staff, the medical department. They’re messing around,” Neto said in a social media video.

He went on “Against Japan? Not playing him? Put the guy in to play. When are you going to play Neymar? In the quarterfinals? In the semi-finals? In the final? What a joke.”

Then he took aim at certain players, starting with Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha.

Neto continued, “Matheus Cunha was walking, Rayan…Why didn’t you put Danilo (Santos) in?”