Martinelli’s late strike sends Brazil into World Cup last 16 after Japan scare

Brazil booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Japan at Houston Stadium on Monday, as Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time to break Japanese hearts in a thrilling knockout contest.

The five-time world champions were pushed to the limit by an energetic and disciplined Japanese side that looked set to produce one of the tournament’s biggest upsets after Kaishu Sano opened the scoring in the 29th minute.

Capitalising on a misplaced pass from Danilo, Sano surged forward unchallenged before unleashing a superb strike from outside the penalty area to give Japan a deserved halftime lead.

Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, struggled to cope with Japan’s relentless pressing during the opening period, creating few clear-cut opportunities while goalkeeper Zion Suzuki confidently dealt with everything that came his way.

Japan, who had impressed throughout the group stage with victories over Tunisia and draws against the Netherlands and Sweden, carried their confidence into the knockout tie and frustrated the South American giants.

However, Brazil emerged after the interval with renewed urgency.

Casemiro, who had endured a difficult first half, redeemed himself in the 56th minute by powering home a header from Gabriel’s inviting cross to restore parity.

The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in Brazil’s favour as Vinicius Junior, Bruno Guimaraes and substitute Endrick began to stretch the Japanese defence.

Despite sustained Brazilian pressure, Japan refused to surrender.

Suzuki produced several outstanding saves, while Tomiyasu cleared Casemiro’s close-range header off the goal line to keep the scores level.

As extra time loomed, Brazil continued to search for the decisive breakthrough.

Their persistence finally paid off in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Bruno Guimaraes threaded a clever pass into Martinelli, whose excellent first touch created just enough space before curling a composed finish beyond Suzuki to seal Brazil’s dramatic victory and spark wild celebrations among the Brazilian supporters.

The victory keeps alive Brazil’s quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

Although no longer the dominant force of previous generations, the Seleção remain one of football’s most decorated nations, having lifted the trophy in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.

Guided by the vastly experienced Ancelotti, they will now hope this dramatic escape provides the momentum needed for a deep run in the tournament.

Japan, meanwhile, exited the competition with enormous credit.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side once again demonstrated why they are regarded as one of Asia’s strongest football nations, matching Brazil for long periods with tactical discipline, determination and fearless attacking play.

While their World Cup dream ends in the Round of 32, their performance confirmed that Japan continue to narrow the gap on the world’s traditional football powers.

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