World Cup 2026 | Brazil 2 - 1 Japan
Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner
Brazil came from behind to beat Japan and set up a World Cup last-16 tie against Norway or Ivory Coast.
Author | James Y
Stadium | Houston Stadium
With only seconds remaining, Brazil won the ball back on the edge of the Japan penalty area and Bruno Guimaraes slipped a pass into Martinelli, who took a touch before calmly steering his finish in off the post.
It was a cruel ending for Japan, who had matched Brazil throughout the first half and defended resolutely after the interval. Carlo Ancelotti's side, however, kept pressing and were rewarded at the very end.
The key moments from the match
Japan looked composed before the break and took the lead when Kaishu Sano seized on Danilo's loose pass, surged past Casemiro and drilled a low finish into the bottom corner.
Brazil struggled to respond before half-time but emerged with greater purpose after the restart. Casemiro climbed highest to power home Gabriel's cross from the back post 10 minutes into the second half.
The equaliser had been coming and the five-time world champions almost went in front in spectacular fashion three minutes later.
Vinicius Jr collected the ball 10 yards inside the Japan half, nutmegged his marker, burst into the penalty area, skipped beyond another defender and poked a shot towards the far corner, only for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to push it on to the post.
Japan recovered their composure and, although Brazil continued to apply pressure, clear opportunities remained scarce.
That was until Ao Tanaka lost possession on the corner of his own penalty area and Martinelli punished the mistake with ruthless efficiency to send Brazil through.
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