Gabriel Martinelli struck deep in stoppage time as Brazil turned football scores on their head and beat Japan 2-1. Brazil had trailed 1-0 at half-time, but the late winner sent them into the last 16.
Japan Lead at 29 Minutes
Kaishu Sano put Japan ahead after 29 minutes with a low shot from just outside the box. Japan carried that lead into the break, and Brazil went to half-time staring at a result that would have broken a run they had never dropped before in this tournament.
Brazil’s response came after Carlo Ancelotti changed the shape and approach at half-time. He introduced Endrick and switched to 4-2-3-1, and the match turned after the interval.
Casemiro Levels at 56 Minutes
Casemiro headed in Brazil’s equaliser after 56 minutes. That goal reset the match, but it did not settle it. Brazil still had to find one more chance against a Japan side that had not given up the box score or the field.
Japan’s first-half goal also came after Danilo’s attempt to work the ball to the left was intercepted. The move ended with Japan striking first, while Brazil had to recover from a deficit that had been built from one clean break and one finished chance.
Martinelli Ends Japan’s Run
Martinelli then finished the comeback deep into stoppage time. The timing mattered as much as the finish: Brazil had already used a half-time adjustment, drawn level, and still had to wait until the match was nearly gone before taking control of the result.
The win sends Brazil into the last 16 and keeps their World Cup run alive. Japan leave with another knockout defeat, and their search for a first World Cup knockout win goes on after a match they led at the interval.
