Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic 96th-minute winner as Brazil came from behind to book their place in the World Cup round of 16, heartbreakingly denying Japan a historic first knockout-stage victory.
Match Report
Carlo Ancelotti’s men were on the brink of a shock early elimination after Kaishu Sano fired Japan ahead in the first half, surging past Casemiro with ease before finding the net from the edge of the box.
However, Casemiro redeemed himself after the break. Moments after missing a golden opportunity, the veteran midfielder rose to meet Gabriel’s cross at the far post, heading home the equaliser and sparking celebrations among Brazil’s large contingent of supporters in Houston.
Vinicius Jr nearly completed the turnaround with a dazzling solo effort, but Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced an excellent save, pushing his shot onto the post.
Yet Suzuki could do little to stop Martinelli’s decisive strike deep into stoppage time. The goalkeeper managed to get a hand to the effort, but the ball bounced off the inside of the post and trickled over the line.
Brazil now advance to the last 16, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Erling Haaland’s Norway. For Japan, the disappointment continues, having taken the lead in each of their last three World Cup knockout matches only to suffer defeat every time.