2 min readJun 30, 2026 12:55 AM IST
A 96th-minute winner from Gabriel Martinelli plunged a dagger into Japan’s resistance as Brazil secured their Last 16 spot in dramatic fashion. Martinelli’s winner came just when it looked like the game was destined for extra time at Houston Stadium.
Japan held a surprising 1-0 lead at half-time in an entertaining game thanks to Kaishu Sano, who fired a low shot into the bottom corner past Brazil keeper Alisson. But Casemiro shrugged off a wretched first half to score Brazil’s equaliser just nine minutes after the half-time break. After that goal, Brazil attacked in wave after wave but Japan held firm. Until Martinelli’s goal that is. The five-time champions had 19 attempts at goal (compared to Japan’s five) with seven being on target (compared to two).
Brazil now await the winners of the game between Ivory Coast or Norway at MetLife Stadium for a place in the quarter-finals.
Both teams were unbeaten heading into the Round of 32. Brazil had topped Group C with two wins and a draw while Japan were second to the Netherlands with a win and two draws in Group F.