Martinelli's late goal sends Brazil past Japan into World Cup last 16

HOUSTON: Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score in stoppage time as Brazil beat Japan 2-1 on Monday, sealing a place in the World Cup last 16 after a hard-fought knockout match.

The Arsenal winger struck in the 95th minute to settle the contest in dramatic fashion after Japan had threatened to pull off an upset. Brazil will now face either Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday.

Japan took the lead after 29 minutes through midfielder Kaishu Sano, who capitalised on a Brazil error and drove forward before finishing past Alisson for his first international goal. The move began when Danilo misplaced a pass, allowing Sano to collect the ball near the centre circle and burst away from Casemiro.

Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, had started brightly in front of a crowd of 68,777, with Matheus Cunha forcing goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into an early save. Neymar, on the bench, was shown on the big screens as Brazil's supporters created a constant backdrop with drums and chants.

After falling behind, Brazil's fans grew anxious as their side struggled to impose themselves consistently. Japan, who had made four changes from the team that drew 1-1 with Sweden in the group stage, looked increasingly comfortable and carried their threat on the break.

Brazil were also forced into a change at half-time when Lucas Paqueta went off injured, with Endrick replacing him. The five-time champions then raised the tempo after the interval and pushed Japan deeper into their own half.

Takehiro Tomiyasu twice kept the ball out near his own goal as Brazil increased the pressure. The equaliser arrived 11 minutes into the second half when Gabriel delivered a cross and Casemiro headed home unmarked at the back post.

Vinicius Junior, whose influence grew as the second half progressed, then drove at the Japan defence and steered an effort that Suzuki diverted onto the post. Brazil continued to press, with Vinicius becoming more central to their attacks as Japan tried to hold on.

Martinelli eventually provided the decisive moment deep into added time, scoring the winner to send Brazil through and end Japan's challenge. The result extended Japan's wait for a first World Cup knockout-stage victory, while Brazil moved a step closer to adding to the title they last won in 2002.

Road to the knockout stage

Japan had been seen as potential dark horses after thrashing Tunisia and drawing with both the Netherlands and Sweden to reach the last 32. Brazil, by contrast, advanced despite questions over whether this is one of their strongest recent sides, even with Ancelotti in charge.

Japan had also beaten Brazil 3-2 in a home friendly in October for their first-ever victory over the South Americans, adding further intrigue to Monday's meeting. But in Houston, Brazil recovered from Sano's opener and found the decisive breakthrough at the end through Martinelli.