Martinelli’s late goal rescues Brazil against Japan

Brazil are through to the World Cup last 16 after beating Japan 2-1 in Houston, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the decisive goal in the 95th minute. Japan had led through Kaishu Sano before Casemiro brought Brazil level early in the second half.

The match turned on Brazil’s response after the break. Casemiro, who had been beaten in the build-up to Japan’s opener, made amends by heading in from Gabriel’s cross, while Vinícius Jr nearly completed the comeback moments later when Zion Suzuki pushed his effort onto the post.

Martinelli, introduced from the bench, eventually settled the tie after Bruno Guimarães found him late on. The result sends Brazil into a round-of-16 meeting with either Ivory Coast or Norway, while Japan are left with another painful knockout defeat after putting themselves in a winning position.

For Brazil, the drama keeps the campaign alive but also leaves questions for the next round. The source report highlighted concerns around midfield control, attacking balance and Carlo Ancelotti’s best XI, even as Brazil showed the depth and composure to survive a difficult knockout test.