Brazil Edge Japan 2-1 as Gabriel Martinelli’s Injury-Time Goal Seals Round of 16 Berth. (Image: Internet)
New Delhi: Brazil booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after producing a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Japan 2-1 in a thrilling knockout clash on Monday. Gabriel Martinelli emerged as the match-winner, scoring deep into stoppage time to complete a memorable turnaround after Japan had taken an early lead.
The victory keeps Brazil’s title hopes alive as the five-time world champions advanced to the next stage in front of a packed crowd.
Japan made a dream start by catching Brazil off guard in the opening half. Kaishu Sano capitalised on a loose ball inside his own half before launching an impressive solo run of around 40 yards. The midfielder finished the move with a powerful strike that beat goalkeeper Alisson, handing Japan a surprise 1-0 advantage.
Brazil struggled to create clear opportunities before the break, while Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki enjoyed a relatively comfortable first half as his defence kept the South American attack under control.
Brazil returned with greater urgency after halftime and finally found the breakthrough through experienced midfielder Casemiro. Gabriel Magalhaes delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, allowing Casemiro to rise above the defence and head the ball into the net to restore parity.
The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in Brazil's favour, setting up a tense finish as both teams searched for a decisive goal.
With extra time appearing inevitable, Brazil launched one final attack. Danilo regained possession before Endrick linked play with Bruno Guimaraes, whose perfectly weighted pass found Gabriel Martinelli unmarked inside the box.
The Arsenal forward controlled the ball calmly before guiding his finish into the far corner beyond Suzuki, scoring in the 96th minute to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory.
Brazil will now face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16 on July 5 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The latest victory continues Brazil's impressive record against Japan. The two nations had previously met only once at the FIFA World Cup, during the 2006 tournament in Germany, where Brazil recovered from an early setback to win 4-1.
Across 15 meetings, Brazil have now registered 12 victories, along with two draws and one defeat. Japan's only success over the Selecao came in a 3-2 international friendly in Tokyo earlier this year, making Monday's contest another closely fought chapter in their growing rivalry.
