Brazil left it late but eventually booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over a spirited Japan side, with substitute Gabriel Martinelli striking deep into stoppage time to break Japanese hearts at Houston Stadium on Monday.
The five-time champions dominated possession from the opening whistle and looked in control early on, dictating play with over 80 percent of the ball in the opening stages. However, despite their territorial dominance, Brazil struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Japanese defense determined to frustrate the South American giants.
Against the run of play, Japan stunned Brazil in the 29th minute through midfielder Kaishu Sano. Capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse, Sano burst through the center after both Casemiro and Gabriel Magalhaes switched off in midfield. The Japanese midfielder kept his composure and drilled a low shot beyond Alisson Becker to give the Asian side a surprise 1-0 lead.
Brazil went into halftime trailing despite enjoying 68 percent possession and registering more attempts on goal, while Japan defended resolutely and looked increasingly confident of causing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Dorival Junior’s side returned after the break with renewed urgency. Their pressure finally paid off in the 56th minute when veteran midfielder Casemiro rose highest at the far post to head home the equalizer after sustained Brazilian pressure.
From then on, it became almost one-way traffic. Vinicius Junior came agonizingly close to putting Brazil ahead, striking the post after a dazzling individual run, while goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a string of excellent saves to keep Japan level.
As extra time loomed, Brazil suffered another concern when goalscorer Casemiro limped off injured during stoppage time, forcing a late reshuffle.
But just when Japan seemed set to force an additional 30 minutes, Brazil found their decisive moment.
In the sixth minute of added time, Bruno Guimaraes threaded a perfectly weighted pass into substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who showed remarkable composure inside the box. The Arsenal forward shifted the ball quickly before firing a close-range effort that bounced off the post and over the line, sparking wild celebrations among Brazilian players and fans.
Japan’s players collapsed to the turf at full time, devastated after producing one of their finest performances of the tournament only to be denied at the very end.
Notably, Brazil achieved the dramatic comeback without superstar Neymar, who remained an unused substitute throughout the contest.
Brazil now advance to the Round of 16 where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway, while Japan depart the tournament with pride despite the cruel ending.