Brazil Edge Japan with Late Winner to Reach FIFA World Cup Round of 16
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Brazil secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan after Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner to send the five-time champions into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
The thrilling Round of 32 encounter at Houston Stadium in Texas saw Brazil come from behind to keep their World Cup campaign alive and avoid their earliest exit from the tournament since 1982.
Japan made a bright start and took the lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano. The midfielder capitalized on a misplaced pass in midfield, drove forward after winning possession, and finished with a low strike into the bottom corner beyond goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Brazil increased the pressure after halftime and found the equalizer in the 56th minute. Casemiro rose above the defense to head home a well-delivered cross from Gabriel Magalhaes, bringing his side level.
The goal also marked a personal milestone for the experienced midfielder. At 34 years and 126 days old, Casemiro became Brazil’s second-oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, behind Bebeto, who scored at the 1998 tournament at 34 years and 137 days.
Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki delivered a strong performance and made several important saves to keep his team in the match, while Alisson Becker was called into action on fewer occasions at the other end.
With the game appearing destined for extra time, Brazil found the decisive breakthrough in stoppage time. Bruno Guimaraes spotted Gabriel Martinelli in space and played a well-weighted pass into the penalty area.
Martinelli controlled the ball with his first touch before curling a composed finish beyond Suzuki. Although the Japanese goalkeeper managed to get a hand on the shot, he could not prevent it from finding the back of the net.
The late goal sealed Brazil’s place in the Round of 16, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway on July 5 in East Rutherford.
Brazil will now look to build on their dramatic victory as they continue their pursuit of another FIFA World Cup title.
