Brazil Stun Japan to Reach Last 16

Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner as Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1
Japan led through Kaishū Sano before Casemiro equalised for the five-time champions
Brazil advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 and will face either Norway or Ivory Coast

Brazil booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Japan.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that the five-time world champions endured a difficult first half as Japan produced a disciplined display and capitalised on one of their best attacking moves.

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Kaishū Sano broke the deadlock in the 29th minute after driving forward from midfield before firing a low shot past goalkeeper Alisson Becker, giving the Asian side a deserved lead at the interval.

Although Brazil controlled possession, Carlo Ancelotti’s men found it difficult to break down Japan’s organised defence before the break.

The South Americans returned for the second half with greater intensity. The introduction of Endrick added fresh attacking impetus, but Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki frustrated Brazil with a series of outstanding saves to preserve his side’s advantage.

Brazil’s persistence finally paid off just before the hour mark when Casemiro met a cross from Gabriel Magalhães with a powerful header to level the contest.

The equaliser shifted the momentum completely in Brazil’s favour as they piled pressure on the Japanese defence. Vinícius Júnior came close to completing the turnaround, only to see his effort tipped onto the post by Suzuki.

Just as the game appeared destined for extra time, Bruno Guimarães delivered a precise pass to Martinelli, who calmly curled the ball into the net off the inside of the post in the sixth minute of added time to complete Brazil’s dramatic comeback.

The victory sends Brazil into the last 16, where they will meet either Norway or Ivory Coast, while also keeping alive the possibility of a blockbuster clash with Argentina later in the tournament.

The result also extended Japan’s long wait for a competitive victory over Brazil and denied the Samurai Blue another historic breakthrough in the knockout stage of the World Cup.

Brazil’s comeback marked their first World Cup victory after trailing at half-time since defeating Turkey on June 3, 2002.

The South Americans also dominated possession, completing 682 passes during the match, with defender Gabriel Magalhães registering 135 passes, the highest by any Brazilian player at this year’s tournament.

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