Top News

Brazil edged past a spirited Japan side to book their place in the Round of 16 of the World Cup, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Gabriel Martinelli in Houston.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men were left stunned when Kaishu Sano fired Japan ahead with a brilliant effort in the 29th minute. However, Brazil responded as Casemiro redeemed a lacklustre first-half display by heading home the equaliser.

With the match seemingly destined for extra time after a tense finale, Martinelli, who had been introduced by Ancelotti in the 66th minute, completed the turnaround when he latched onto a clever pass from Bruno Guimaraes to slot past Zion Suzuki.

The result was tough on a resilient Japan outfit chasing their first-ever World Cup knockout victory, but Brazil’s late surge ensured they advanced despite a sluggish opening half.

Japan adopted a disciplined approach from the start, sitting deep and allowing Brazil to dictate possession. The South Americans struggled to carve out clear chances early on, though Guimaraes saw a shot deflected behind and Matheus Cunha forced Suzuki into a save.

Japan’s first opportunity came from a free-kick after Junya Ito was fouled by Casemiro, but Daichi Kamada’s effort hit the wall. Sano, who had been booked earlier for a late challenge on Vinicius Junior, avoided further sanction for a rough tackle on Cunha — a moment that proved significant minutes later.

The Mainz midfielder capitalised on a misplaced pass from Danilo in midfield, drove past Casemiro, and unleashed a low strike beyond Alisson Becker from distance to hand Japan a 1-0 lead just before the half-hour mark.

Brazil were rattled and could only muster speculative long-range efforts from Vinicius and Cunha before half-time. However, Ancelotti’s tactical tweaks during the break injected renewed energy into his side.

Guimaraes tested Suzuki with a powerful header before Casemiro came close again, his header striking Takehiro Tomiyasu on the goal line when he looked certain to score. Ito’s clearance sparked a brief Japanese counter, but it fizzled out.

Casemiro made no mistake the next time, rising at the far post to meet Gabriel’s cross and nodding home in the 56th minute to level the contest.

Brazil pressed on, with Vinicius nearly putting them ahead after weaving through the defence and attempting a deft flick over Suzuki, who managed to tip the ball onto the post.

Japan regained their shape and frustrated Brazil for much of the closing stages, but the South Americans finally broke through deep into stoppage time. With five minutes added, Guimaraes slipped a neat pass into Martinelli’s path, and the Arsenal forward bent a composed finish past Suzuki to seal a dramatic victory.