Carlo Ancelotti lauded Brazil's patient approach after their persistence paid off in a dramatic 2-1 win over Japan.

Gabriel Martinelli's finish in second-half stoppage time saw Brazil complete a second-half comeback and book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Kaishu Sano's 29th-minute effort put Japan ahead, and though Hajime Moriyasu's team offered some counter-attacking threat, they ultimately created chances worth only 0.23 expected goals (xG) combined.

Brazil dominated the second half, with Casemiro heading them level, while Vinicius Junior struck the woodwork before substitute Martinelli's last-gasp heroics.

"We didn't lose our patience, we had a lot of resources on the pitch and on the bench," Ancelotti said.

"Japan isn't an easy opponent, they are very organised and intense."

Martinelli replaced Matheus Cunha in the 66th minute at Houston Stadium.

His winner, timed at 95:00, is the latest winning goal in normal time of the knockout stages of the World Cup on record (since 1966).

One player who did not come on from the bench was Neymar, who remained an unused substitute.

Neymar made a cameo appearance against Scotland in the group stage, and Ancelotti explained he would have been called on in extra time, had the game gone that far.

"I was saving Neymar for extra time," Ancelotti added.

"He was going to enter the pitch on minute 105 if we hadn't scored the second goal. I didn't want to change the structure because the team was playing well."

Japan are still yet to progress from a knockout stage game at the World Cup, with this their fifth attempt. 

Brazil, though, can now look forward to a tie against either Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday.

"I can't find the words to describe the joy in my heart," Martinelli said.

"Seeing all those fans on their feet, my parents, my friends. I can't explain it. I knew I'd get another chance.

"I honestly don't have the words. I'm just happy I was able to help the team, whether I'm playing on the left or through the middle. The most important thing is helping the team."