Play store
Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 on Monday, booking their place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 after a thrilling contest in Houston.
The Arsenal winger struck in the fifth minute of added time to break Japan’s resistance and send the five-time world champions into the knockout stage, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday.
Brazil appeared destined for extra time after veteran midfielder Casemiro cancelled out Japan’s first-half lead, but Martinelli’s last-gasp winner ensured Carlo Ancelotti’s side kept their World Cup hopes alive.
Japan stunned the heavily favoured South Americans in the 29th minute when midfielder Kaishu Sano capitalised on a defensive error to score his first international goal.
The move began after Brazil defender Danilo misplaced a pass, allowing Sano to collect the ball near the centre circle. The Mainz midfielder surged forward, skipped past Casemiro and calmly slotted the ball beyond goalkeeper Alisson to silence much of the 68,777-strong crowd.
The goal gave Hajime Moriyasu’s side renewed confidence as they frustrated Brazil with disciplined defending and quick counterattacks.
Brazil dominated possession during the opening stages but struggled to convert their superiority into clear-cut chances. Matheus Cunha forced Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into an early save, while Vinicius Junior found little space against a well-organised Japanese defence.
Ancelotti was forced into a change at halftime after Lucas Paqueta limped off injured, with teenage striker Endrick introduced to add attacking impetus.
Brazil emerged with far greater intensity after the break and repeatedly threatened the Japanese goal. Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu produced two crucial goal-line clearances before the equaliser finally arrived in the 56th minute.
Arsenal defender Gabriel delivered an inviting cross from the left, allowing an unmarked Casemiro to head home from close range and restore parity.
The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in Brazil’s favour as Vinicius became increasingly influential. The Real Madrid forward came close to putting his side ahead when he weaved past several defenders, only to see his shot pushed onto the post by Suzuki.
Japan defended bravely as Brazil continued to press for a winner, but their resistance was finally broken deep into stoppage time.
With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Martinelli latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired home in the 95th minute, sparking wild celebrations among Brazil’s players and supporters.
The victory extended Brazil’s proud record in the World Cup knockout stages and kept alive their bid for a record sixth world title, their first since 2002.
For Japan, the defeat ended another impressive World Cup campaign in heartbreaking fashion. Having reached the knockout stage after strong performances in the group phase, the Samurai Blue came within moments of recording one of the biggest upsets of the tournament before Martinelli’s late heroics denied them a historic victory.
