Brazil left it until the closing seconds to secure their place in the World Cup last 16, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring in the 95th minute to complete a comeback against Japan. The late strike earned Carlo Ancelotti’s side a dramatic victory and booked a meeting with either Norway or Ivory Coast in the next round.
The decisive moment came after Brazil recovered possession just outside Japan’s penalty area. Bruno Guimaraes quickly threaded a pass into Martinelli, who controlled the ball before guiding a composed finish in off the post, leaving Japan devastated after being moments away from forcing extra time.
Japan had matched Brazil throughout much of the contest and defended with determination after the break. However, a costly mistake by Ao Tanaka near his own penalty area in stoppage time allowed Brazil to seize the opportunity and complete the turnaround.
Japan frustrates favourites before the interval
The opening half unfolded largely on Japan’s terms as they kept Brazil under control despite seeing less of the ball. Whenever Brazil advanced into dangerous areas, defenders closed down quickly, preventing the attackers from finding space or creating clear openings.
Japan then capitalised on an error to move ahead. Danilo misplaced a pass, allowing Kaishu Sano to intercept possession before driving beyond Casemiro and firing a low shot into the corner for the opening goal.
Brazil struggled to produce an immediate response before the interval, and their inability to break through Japan’s disciplined defensive setup left the underdogs holding a deserved advantage at the break.
Ancelotti’s changes transform Brazil
Brazil emerged with much greater urgency after half-time following Ancelotti’s decision to introduce Endrick in place of Lucas Paqueta, who appeared to have picked up a knock earlier in the match. The adjustment was accompanied by a clear tactical shift as Brazil relied far more heavily on deliveries into the penalty area.
That approach quickly paid dividends. Gabriel delivered a cross to the back post where Casemiro escaped his marker and powered a header into the net to restore parity just 10 minutes into the second half.
Only minutes later, Brazil almost completed the comeback in spectacular fashion. Vinicius Jr. collected possession inside Japan’s half, slipped the ball through one defender’s legs, surged into the penalty area, beat another opponent, and aimed for the far corner, but goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced an outstanding save that pushed the effort onto the post.
Brazil continued to send crosses into the area throughout the second half, averaging less than two minutes between deliveries. Japan gradually adapted to the tactic, but one lapse in concentration right at the end proved enough for Brazil to find the winning goal.
Brave Japan falls agonisingly short
Japan arrived at the tournament with high expectations despite injuries to Wataru Endo and Kaoru Mitoma, making their elimination at the last-32 stage particularly disappointing. Hajime Moriyasu’s game plan worked impressively for long periods, combining disciplined defending with swift counter-attacks whenever opportunities appeared.
Sano’s strike rewarded that approach, although the midfielder had earlier survived after making a clumsy challenge while already carrying a yellow card. Japan remained organised after the interval, with Takehiro Tomiyasu producing a crucial goal-line clearance to prevent Casemiro from adding another.
Even after conceding the equaliser, Japan continued to compete and occasionally threatened on the break while resisting sustained Brazilian pressure. They looked set to earn the chance to fight for qualification in extra time before a single mistake deep into stoppage time ended their campaign and extended their wait for a World Cup knockout victory.