Brazil's dramatic win over Japan through the eyes of Carlo Ancelotti

The first knockout match of this World Cup for Ancelotti was anything but a walk in the park.

It was always going to be nervy: after all, it's the most important football competition in the world, and the highly decorated coach is a debutant in it. His attitude, however, remains the same for all ninety minutes plus stoppage time. Never flustered, almost always standing stoically. In short, the usual Ancelotti, even with so much at stake.

In the press conference, the Italian coach appeared, as always, approachable and smiling. This time though, his face was noticeably more tense.

He greeted the crowd cheering for him as soon as he stepped onto the pitch, just before the teams' walkout. National anthems, and then it was time: the long-awaited knockout stage began.

Signs of nerves

After just a few minutes, Ancelotti is already on his feet watching his players.

In the 12th minute comes the first jolt. A foul on Vinicius makes him lose his cool: the fourth official is just steps away, and Ancelotti immediately demands an explanation for the missing yellow card.

Minutes go by and Brazil aren't playing as their coach would like. He calls Matheus Cunha over, urging him to drop between the lines to avoid giving reference points and to help the wingers break through.

Around the 20th minute, he slaps his hands on his thighs: Casemiro gives away a free kick and gets booked, while Brazil's build-up remains slow. Together with his staff, he tries to make himself heard, but the ball keeps moving too slowly.

At the 30th minute comes the result. Brazil mess up in the build-up and Kaishu Sano takes advantage, beating Alisson. Ancelotti doesn't flinch. He looks at his players and, with a gesture, seems to say: "Let's get going again right away, nothing happened."

But Brazil keep struggling. They can't find space, can't create chances. Ancelotti alternates between standing and sitting on the bench, never stopping in his issuing of instructions.

The second half doesn't start well. Brazil are still tense and Danilo picks up a yellow card. The Italian coach looks more and more impatient.

Composure throughout the comeback

Around the 50th minute, though, something changes. The Selecao take control of the match and pin Japan back.

Suzuki saves from Bruno Guimaraes and Ancelotti watches, almost in disbelief.

A minute later, the entire Brazilian bench has their hands on their heads after an incredible goal-line clearance following a close-range header from Casemiro. The boss remains almost impassive, allowing himself only a brief exchange with the fourth official, probably to ask for clarification about a possible Japanese foul in the box.

The equaliser, though, is in the air, and it comes in the 57th minute. Casemiro gives new hope to the South Americans with a close-range header.

Ancelotti watches his team's celebrations with composure. Then he sends an assistant to talk to Vinicius and, before play resumes, steps a few meters onto the pitch to call Danilo over. A quick word to redefine tactical instructions.

A minute later, even the Italian coach's composure wavers. Vinicius produces one of his trademark bursts, beats everyone, but hits the post. The celebration is stuck in the throat even for the coach from Reggiolo.

Time ticks away and Ancelotti watches his team with arms folded and a tense face. Six minutes of stoppage time, though, are enough to break the spell.

In the 95th minute comes the goal that sets all of Brazil off in celebration. Everyone, except Ancelotti. The coach keeps his usual composure, stays near the bench and with a gesture tells his players to stay calm, while his staff gather around him to sort out the final details.

In reality, there is little left to decide. Moments later, the final whistle blows: Ancelotti can finally breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy his first knockout win on the Brazil bench.

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