A last-gasp Gabriel Martinelli finish turned the Brazil Japan World Cup tie into an escape act, sealing a 2-1 Round of 32 win at NRG Stadium and sending Brazil into the Round of 16.
Japan shocks Brazil after Sano punishes Danilo
Brazil had the ball from the start, but Japan made the first half feel uncomfortable rather than open. Bruno Guimaraes had an early effort blocked in the 2nd minute and Matheus Cunha forced Zion Suzuki into a save in the 14th, yet the Japanese block kept the game tight.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute after Danilo lost possession in midfield. Kaishu Sano drove through the middle and beat Alisson from distance, giving Japan a 1-0 lead that held to half-time despite Brazil's control.
Casemiro drags Brazil level as pressure rises
Brazil changed the tone immediately after the interval, with Endrick replacing Paqueta at half-time. Suzuki denied Guimaraes' header in the 52nd minute, then Tomiyasu cleared Casemiro's close-range header off the line two minutes later.
The equaliser arrived in the 56th minute. A cross to the far post found Casemiro, whose timed leap and header made it 1-1; moments later Vinicius had a chance to complete the turnaround, only for Suzuki to intervene again.
Martinelli rescues Brazil after sustained dominance
Brazil's numbers explained the pressure that eventually broke Japan: 69% possession, 19 shots to 5, 7 on target to 2 and 625 passes to Japan's 261. The cards and fouls told the other side of the strain, with Japan committing 13 fouls and receiving 3 yellows, while Brazil had 4 fouls and 2 bookings.
Martinelli, introduced in the 67th minute, delivered the decisive blow in the 90th. Japan lost the ball in a dangerous area, Guimaraes helped it on, and Martinelli finished at the far post for 2-1.
Brazil, top-ranked in the standings with 7 points and unbeaten at 2W 1D 0L, now move on to face the winner of Ivory Coast vs Norway on 05/07/2026. Japan remain listed 2nd with 5 points, but this late collapse ends their night in Houston with the narrowest of margins.
Match Information
Competition: World Cup, Round of 32. Date & Time: Monday 29 June 2026, 19:00 CET. Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston. Referee: Maurizio Mariani, Italy.
