Martinelli helped Brazil overcome Japan in stoppage time
Brazil overcame Japan in the final minutes of the match and won a ticket to the 1/8 round of the 2026 World Cup. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored the decisive goal in extra time.
Brazil had an almost perfect start to the World Cup. In the first match, they drew 1-1 with Morocco, then easily defeated Haiti and Scotland. In the round of 16, the Seleção faced a formidable opponent: Japan. Samurai Blue came to the World Cup with many ambitions and hopes of passing the knockout round for the first time in history against Brazil. Coach Hajime Moriyasu's team has only won against Brazil once, but started the match in Houston confidently. The first danger from Japan brought a goal. In the 29th minute, Kaishu Sano - younger brother of NEC player Kodai Sano - stole the ball in the middle of the field and made a powerful attack. The FSV Mainz 05 midfielder kicked the ball from 20 meters away, the ball went past Alisson. Brazil has not yet responded. Japan controlled the match well and had no trouble in the first half. Only Brazilian midfielder Casemiro made a dribble in this half. Coach Carlo Ancelotti did not hesitate and decided to change right in the second half. Young talent Endrick replaced Lucas Paquetá. Neymar had to wait from the sidelines and saw that the Seleção played better and better after the break. Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki saved Bruno Guimarães' header, but just a few minutes later, Brazil equalized. Casemiro, following a pass from Gabriel Magalhães, scored a header, becoming the second oldest Brazilian player to score at the World Cup. Ancelotti's team then continued to push their team forward and almost took the lead. Vinícius Júnior bypassed Tomiyasu and attempted to shoot but was blocked by goalkeeper Suzuki, and the ball then hit the post. Brazil continued to put pressure on Japan, this team seemed to have succeeded in drawing. However, in the 96th minute, substitute Martinelli ended Japan's hopes. He was passed the ball by Guimarães in the penalty area and kicked the ball into the inner corner of the goal, sending Brazil to the round of 16. The Seleção will face the winner of the match between Ivory Coast and Norway.
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