Brazil booked their place in the last 16 of the World Cup in dramatic fashion, sealing a 2-1 win over Japan with a late, last-gasp winner as the knockout stage kicked off in earnest.
Late drama at NRG Stadium
The decisive moment came from Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, who struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to turn a tense encounter into a breakthrough for Brazil at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Japan had looked set to stage one of the tournament’s biggest shocks, taking the lead early in the second half of the match before ultimately being undone by Brazil’s late surge.
Japan strike first as Brazil struggle to respond
Kaishu Sano put Japan ahead on the counter-attack, finding the net with a standout finish in the 29th minute.
After that opener, Brazil appeared rattled for the remainder of the first half, while Japan—described as the Asian giants—managed their advantage comfortably through to the break.
Ancelotti’s change turns the game
With the contest still delicately poised, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti made a bold adjustment at half-time, introducing another forward, Endrick, to replace Lucas Paqueta.
- That tactical switch immediately made Brazil look more dangerous going forward.
- Brazil’s renewed pressure eventually paid off with an equaliser on 56 minutes.
The leveler arrived when Casemiro nodded the ball in at the far post following a superb curling delivery from the left by Gabriel Magalhaes.
Extra-time hopes fade as Martinelli seals it
Japan still appeared to be steering the match toward extra time, but Brazil struck the decisive blow after a costly error in injury time.
Ao Tanaka gave the ball away on the edge of the area, and Japan’s mistake was punished quickly: the ball went to Martinelli, who took a touch before firing home the winning goal.
- Final score: Brazil 2-1 Japan.
- Winning moment: Martinelli in stoppage time.
Who Brazil play next
Brazil’s reward for the victory is a last-16 tie against either Côte d’Ivoire or Norway.
