Martinelli’s stoppage-time goal sends Brazil past Japan into World Cup last 16

HOUSTON: Gabriel Martinelli struck in the 95th minute to give Brazil a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan on Monday and send the five-time champions into the World Cup last 16.

The Arsenal winger, introduced from the bench, scored deep into injury time to settle a tightly contested knockout match after Japan had pushed Brazil hard for long periods. Carlo Ancelotti’s side will now meet either Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday.

Japan had taken the lead after 29 minutes when Kaishu Sano produced a fine individual effort following a Brazil error. Danilo gave the ball away with a loose pass, allowing Sano to collect possession near the centre circle and break forward. The Mainz midfielder surged past Casemiro, who had already been booked, before finishing beyond Alisson for his first international goal.

Brazil had started the game on the front foot in front of a crowd of 68,777, with their supporters creating a loud atmosphere throughout. Neymar, on the bench, was shown on the big screens to a strong reaction from the Brazil fans. Early on, Sano was booked for a heavy challenge on Vinicius Junior, while Matheus Cunha forced Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into a save.

But after Japan settled, Hajime Moriyasu’s team enjoyed their best spell and made their pressure count through Sano’s strike. Brazil’s supporters grew uneasy as their team struggled to look secure defensively and lacked sharpness in attack. The South Americans, whose most recent World Cup title came in 2002, were also dealt a setback at halftime when Lucas Paqueta went off injured. The attacking midfielder left the field in visible distress and was replaced by 19-year-old striker Endrick.

Brazil respond after the break

Japan, who had made four changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Sweden at the end of the group stage, looked well placed after the interval. They had reached the last 32 after thrashing Tunisia and drawing with both the Netherlands and Sweden, and they initially continued to frustrate Brazil.

Brazil, however, increased the pressure early in the second half. Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu twice kept the ball off the line, albeit without appearing fully aware of the blocks. The equaliser arrived 11 minutes after the break when Gabriel delivered a cross and Casemiro headed in unmarked at the back post.

That goal shifted the momentum decisively. Vinicius Junior, largely contained in the first half, became increasingly influential and repeatedly tested Japan’s defence. In one dangerous move he cut through the back line and poked an effort toward goal, with Suzuki turning the ball onto the post.

Brazil continued to press for a winner as Japan tried to hold out and extend the contest, but Martinelli delivered the decisive moment at the end. His late goal ended Japan’s resistance and kept intact their unwanted record of never having won a World Cup knockout match, while Brazil advanced after edging a gripping encounter.

Japan had beaten Brazil 3-2 in a home friendly in October for their first win over the South Americans, and they arrived with talk of being possible dark horses despite history being against them in the knockout rounds. On this occasion, though, Brazil found a way through at the last possible moment.