Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Brazil edged Japan 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 in Houston, securing the five-time world champions a place in the last 16.
Introduced as a second-half substitute, Martinelli became Brazil’s hero by scoring in the sixth minute of added time, just as the match appeared destined for extra time.
The victory sets up a Round of 16 clash against either Ivory Coast or Norway at East Rutherford, New Jersey, this Sunday, with Brazil keeping their hopes of another World Cup title alive.
Japan stunned the South American giants in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano capitalised on a misplaced pass in midfield before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike from outside the penalty area that beat the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Brazil responded after the break and found the equaliser in the 56th minute through Casemiro, who powered home a header from Gabriel Magalhaes’ delivery.
The goal came just two minutes after Casemiro had been denied by Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who produced an excellent save to keep Brazil at bay.
Buoyed by the equaliser, Brazil continued to dominate possession and create chances. Vinicius Junior, who has already scored four goals in the tournament, nearly put his side ahead in the 58th minute, but Suzuki reacted brilliantly to push his effort wide of the post.
Japan’s goalkeeper remained outstanding throughout the second half, first denying Bruno Guimaraes’ header in the 52nd minute before producing another impressive stop to frustrate Casemiro moments later.
With extra time looming, Martinelli delivered the decisive moment deep into stoppage time, breaking Japanese hearts with a clinical finish that sealed Brazil’s progression.
The defeat means Japan are still searching for their first-ever victory in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup despite another spirited performance.
For Brazil, the win marked their 12th victory in 15 meetings against Japan. The two nations have also shared two draws, while Japan’s only win over Brazil came in an international friendly in Tokyo last October.
The fixture also highlighted the close ties between the two countries. Brazil is home to around 2.7 million people of Japanese descent, making it the largest Japanese community outside Japan.
That connection extends to football history, with Brazilian legend Zico joining Kashima Antlers in 1991 and playing a key role in the development of professional football in Japan before later managing the Japanese national team from 2002 to 2006.
Brazil advanced to the knockout stage as winners of Group C after drawing with Morocco and defeating Haiti and Scotland.
Japan reached the Round of 32 as Group F runners-up following draws against the Netherlands and Sweden, along with a victory over Tunisia.
The loss also ended Japan’s impressive 10-match unbeaten run, which had stretched back to a 2-0 defeat to the United States in September last year.
