Martinelli strikes in added time as Brazil overturns Japan to reach World Cup last 16

Kaishu Sano gave Japan a shock lead in the 29th minute after intercepting a misplaced pass from Brazil right-back Danilo, driving forward and finishing low past Alisson. That advantage held until the interval.

Second-half fightback

Carlo Ancelotti introduced Endrick for Lucas Paquetá at the break and the substitution quickly paid off. Brazil piled on pressure and, after a goalmouth scramble involving saves from Zion Suzuki and a clearance off the line by Takehiro Tomiyasu, Casemiro equalised in the 56th minute. The captain headed in a Gabriel Magalhães cross at the far post to make it 1-1. Vinícius Júnior then forced Suzuki into a full-stretch save that tipped the ball onto the crossbar as Brazil chased a winner.

Last-gasp decider

With the match poised for extra time, Gabriel Martinelli appeared at the back post in the 95th minute to turn in the decisive goal and complete a 2-1 comeback. The referee had signalled six minutes of added time but the game extended slightly, during which Japan had half-chances to force penalties but could not convert.

Brazil's path to the knockout round

Brazil topped Group C with seven points, drawing 1-1 with Morocco on 13 June before beating Haiti 3-0 and Scotland 3-0. They scored seven goals and conceded only one in the group stage. Japan finished second in Group F with five points, behind the Netherlands.

What's next

Brazil will face the winner of Tuesday's round-of-32 match between Ivory Coast and Norway. That last-16 tie is scheduled for 5 July in New Jersey.