Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic winner in the 95th minute as Brazil completed a late comeback to overcome Japan and book a World Cup last-16 matchup against either Norway or Ivory Coast.
With only seconds remaining, Brazil regained possession near the outskirts of Japan’s area. Bruno Guimaraes threaded a pass through to Martinelli, who took a controlled touch before finishing off the post to send the stadium into celebration.
For Japan, it was a cruel way to end the contest. The team had more than held their own in the opening period and fought hard after the break, but Brazil’s relentless pressure finally delivered a breakthrough at the death.
How the match unfolded
- Japan started the game comfortably, and Kaishu Sano capitalised on Danilo’s loose pass. He drove past Casemiro and finished into the bottom corner to put his side in front.
- Brazil struggled to find an answer before half-time, but the second half brought a different tempo. Ten minutes after the restart, Casemiro attacked the ball at the far side and powered home Gabriel’s cross from the back post.
- After Brazil levelled, a second breakthrough almost arrived quickly. Three minutes later, Vinicius Jr received the ball about 10 yards inside Japan’s half, beat his marker with a nutmeg, surged into the box, and slipped past another defender.
- Vinicius Jr then drove a shot toward the far corner, only for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to tip it onto the post.
- Japan regrouped from that scare. Brazil continued to press, but clear opportunities remained scarce for stretches.
- The game swung again when Ao Tanaka lost possession near the corner of his own box. Martinelli and Brazil punished the error immediately, turning the mistake into the decisive late moment.
Martinelli’s late strike ensured Brazil’s comeback completed the job and set up their place in the last-16, where they will face Norway or Ivory Coast.
