Brazil needed a stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli to edge past Japan 2-1 on Monday and avoid a major upset, while booking their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Martinelli scored in the fifth minute of added time to complete Brazil’s win after they had fallen behind in the first half. Brazil will now face either Norway or Ivory Coast in New Jersey on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals.
Japan shocked the five-time world champions in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a misplaced pass from Danilo, drove forward and fired a powerful shot past goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The goal sent the Japanese fans into celebration and put Brazil under unexpected pressure.
Japan defended brilliantly throughout the first half, staying compact, closing down spaces and making it difficult for Brazil to create clear chances.
Brazil looked like a different team after the break. Carlo Ancelotti’s side played with much greater urgency, moved the ball quicker and constantly pushed players into the penalty area in search of an equaliser.
Brazil levelled the score in the 56th minute when Casemiro rose highest to head home Gabriel Magalhaes’ cross, making up for an earlier missed chance.
Vinicius Junior came close to winning it when he weaved past defenders before seeing his shot brilliantly tipped onto the post by Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, leaving the Brazilian fans in disbelief.
Japan continued to hold firm, but deep into stoppage time Bruno Guimaraes slipped a perfectly timed pass into Martinelli’s path and the Arsenal forward calmly finished at the far post to seal a dramatic victory.
The defeat denied Japan what would have been their first-ever World Cup knockout win, while Brazil stayed on course for another quarter-final appearance, a stage they have reached at every World Cup since their last round of 16 exit in 1990.
