Brazil booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in dramatic fashion, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a stunning 96th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan. The heartbreaking defeat denied Japan what would have been their first-ever knockout stage victory at the tournament.
Just moments away from extra time, Brazil regained possession on the edge of Japan’s penalty area. Bruno Guimarães reacted quickly, threading a perfectly weighted pass into Martinelli. The Arsenal forward took one composed touch before calmly slotting his effort in off the post, sparking wild celebrations among the Brazilian players and fans.
For Japan, it was a cruel ending after an outstanding performance. They matched Brazil throughout the opening half and defended with determination after the break, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side showed their quality and persistence to snatch victory at the death.
Japan made the brighter start and deservedly took the lead in the first half. Kaishu Sano capitalised on a loose pass from Danilo, drove past Casemiro, and fired a low strike into the bottom corner to give the Samurai Blue a deserved advantage.
Brazil looked unusually sluggish before halftime but emerged with renewed intensity after the interval. Just 10 minutes into the second half, Casemiro rose highest to meet Gabriel Magalhães, inviting cross at the back post, powering his header beyond Zion Suzuki to level the score.
The equaliser sparked Brazil into life. Minutes later, Vinícius Júnior produced a moment of brilliance, collecting the ball inside his own half before nutmegging one defender, gliding past another, and driving into the penalty area. His low effort seemed destined for the far corner until Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a superb fingertip save, pushing the ball onto the post.
Japan regrouped well and continued to frustrate Brazil as the clock ticked towards full time. However, with virtually the last kick of the match, Ao Tanaka lost possession near the edge of his own penalty area. Brazil seized the opportunity instantly, with Bruno Guimarães finding Martinelli, who made no mistake in poking the ball past Suzuki to complete a dramatic turnaround.
The victory sends Brazil into the Round of 16, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway. For Japan, it was another painful chapter in their World Cup history, having now taken the lead in each of their last three knockout matches, only to lose every one of them.
