TEXAS, June 30: Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time as Brazil rallied from a first-half deficit to defeat Japan 2-1 on Monday, securing a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 before a packed crowd.
Japan stunned the five-time world champions in the opening half when Kaishu Sano intercepted a loose ball deep inside his own half. Sano then embarked on a brilliant 40-yard solo run before firing a powerful shot past goalkeeper Alisson to give Japan a 1-0 lead.
After a frustrating first half in which Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was rarely tested, Brazil increased the pressure after the break. Gabriel Magalhães delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where veteran midfielder Casemiro rose above the defense to head home the equalizer.
With the match appearing destined for extra time, Brazil produced one final attack. Danilo won possession deep in transition and found Endrick, who calmly laid the ball off to Bruno Guimarães. The midfielder threaded a perfectly weighted pass to an unmarked Martinelli inside the penalty area, and the Arsenal winger took a composed touch before slotting the ball into the far corner beyond a diving Suzuki to seal a 2-1 victory.
Brazil advances to the Round of 16, where it will face either Ivory Coast or Norway on July 5 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The Round of 32 contest, part of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup format, marked only the second World Cup meeting between Brazil and Japan.
The two nations previously met at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, when Japan also took a surprise first-half lead through Keiji Tamada before Brazil responded with a 4-1 victory behind two goals from Ronaldo and additional strikes from Juninho Pernambucano and Gilberto.
Brazil has now won 13 of its 16 all-time meetings with Japan, while the teams have drawn twice. Japan’s lone victory came earlier this year in a 3-2 international friendly in Tokyo, marking its first-ever win over the South American powerhouse. (ANI)
About The Author
