Brazil stuns Japan 2-1 with Martinelli’s 95th-minute winner to reach World Cup last 16
Gabriel Martinelli scored deep into stoppage time as Brazil overturned a 1-0 deficit to defeat Japan 2-1 in Houston and reach the World Cup knockout phase.
Japan stuns Brazil early
Brazil dominated possession from the start but found no way through a disciplined Japanese defence. Kaishu Sano punished a loose pass in the 29th minute, driving forward and firing a low shot past Alisson from the edge of the box. The goal came against the run of play, yet it was a perfect execution of Japan’s counter-attacking plan. The Samurai Blue protected their lead comfortably through the rest of the first half, leaving the five-time champions frustrated.
Ancelotti’s halftime changes
Carlo Ancelotti acted at the break. Young forward Endrick replaced Paquetá and Casemiro was told to push higher, adding a physical presence in the box that Japan’s smaller backline struggled to handle. The shift turned the contest. Within minutes Brazil created several clear chances, with Zion Suzuki forced into a sprawling save from Bruno Guimarães’s header and a goal-line clearance by Takehiro Tomiyasu.
We conceded a goal but we didn’t lose patience. The team did well, even in the first half. I was not disappointed with the quality of play. In the second half the match was less closed.
Casemiro pulls Brazil level
The pressure told in the 56th minute. Gabriel swung a cross to the far post and Casemiro, now effectively a second striker, planted a firm header past Suzuki for 1-1. Three minutes later Vinícius Júnior nutmegged Tomiyasu and struck the post, Suzuki getting the slightest fingertip to turn the ball onto the woodwork. Despite sustained Brazilian pressure, the score remained tied as the clock ticked past 90.
Martinelli’s last-gasp winner
Just when extra time looked inevitable, Brazil struck in the 95th minute. Bruno Guimarães threaded a pass through for substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who controlled and steered a precise finish off the far post and in. Suzuki got a touch but could not keep it out. The NRG Stadium erupted as Brazil avoided a shock exit.
What’s next
The victory sends Brazil into the round of 16. They will meet the winner of the Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway tie, with the match date still to be confirmed.
