Martinelli's 96th-minute curler sends Brazil past Japan 2-1 in World Cup Round of 32
Casemiro headed Brazil level in the 56th minute after Kaishu Sano's first-half opener, then substitute Gabriel Martinelli curled in a late winner at NRG Stadium in Houston to advance the five-time champions to the last 16
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Summary
Brazil advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-1 win over Japan at NRG Stadium in Houston, requiring a stoppage-time winner to recover from a first-half deficit. Kaishu Sano opened the scoring in the 29th minute, capitalising on Casemiro's poor positioning. Brazil levelled through Casemiro's header at the back post in the 56th minute, then Gabriel Martinelli, on as a substitute, curled in the winner in the 96th minute after a pass from Bruno Guimaraes. Kaoru Mitoma was absent for Japan. Brazil's next opponent will come from the Netherlands against Morocco fixture.
Why it matters
Brazil's narrow win exposes a vulnerability in what was expected to be a straightforward knockout run. Japan, without Mitoma and still compact and dangerous, nearly knocked out one of the tournament favourites, confirming that the expanded 48-team format gives Asian sides more paths to major upsets.
What to watch
- Brazil's Round of 16 fixture and whether Vinicius Jr. elevates his tournament.
- Germany vs. Paraguay (also June 29) to set the next bracket.
- Japan's post-tournament review on succession after the Sano generation's first deep run.