Gabriel Martinelli scored deep into stoppage time as Brazil snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in the World Cup round of 32 on Monday, sending the five-time champions into the last 16.
The Arsenal winger, introduced in the second half, found the net in the sixth minute of added time just as the match appeared destined for extra time in Houston.
Brazil will now face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the round of 16 on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Japan strike first
Japan took the lead after 29 minutes when Kaishu Sano intercepted a misplaced pass in midfield and fired a right-footed effort from outside the box beyond the Brazilian goalkeeper.
The Asians held their advantage until midway through the second half despite growing pressure from Brazil.
Casemiro levels for Brazil
Casemiro equalised in the 56th minute, heading home from a Gabriel Magalhaes assist after narrowly missing another opportunity moments earlier.
Brazil continued to push forward, with Vinicius Junior coming close to putting his side ahead in the 58th minute, but Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced another save to keep the score level.
Suzuki had already denied Bruno Guimaraes and had also been involved in an earlier scramble when Casemiro’s header struck a defender before bouncing off the goalkeeper.
Martinelli seals victory
As extra time loomed, Martinelli delivered the decisive moment. The substitute found space in the box and scored in the dying seconds to complete Brazil’s comeback and secure their place in the next round.
Historic rivalry continues
The victory extended Brazil’s strong record against Japan, giving the South Americans 12 wins in 15 meetings between the nations. The teams have also drawn twice, while Japan’s only previous victory came in a friendly in Tokyo.
It was only the second meeting between the countries at a World Cup. The first came in 2006, when Brazil won 4-1.
Deep connections beyond football
The match also highlighted the close ties between the two nations. Brazil is home to around 2.7 million people of Japanese descent, the largest Japanese community outside Japan.
Those links are reflected in football history as well. Brazilian legend Zico moved to Japan in 1991 to help develop the country’s professional game and later coached the national team between 2002 and 2006.
Road to the knockout stage
Brazil topped Group C after drawing with Morocco and defeating Haiti and Scotland. Monday’s win came on the anniversary of Brazil’s first World Cup triumph in 1958, when a 17-year-old Pele scored twice in the final against Sweden.
Japan reached the round of 32 as runners-up in Group F after drawing with the Netherlands and Sweden and beating Tunisia. The defeat ended a 10-match unbeaten run stretching back to a loss against the United States in September.
