If the opening days of the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 have proven anything, it is that reputation counts for little once the knockout chaos begins.
On a dramatic Monday that saw traditional powerhouses fall one after another, Brazil somehow survived.
Germany and Netherlands did not.
And that perhaps sums up the brutal beauty of knockout football.
At Houston Stadium, five-time champions Brazil were pushed to the absolute limit by a fearless Japan side that looked on course to produce one of the shocks of the tournament. Despite dominating possession early, Brazil found themselves trailing after Kaishu Sano capitalized on a rare defensive lapse midway through the first half.
For long stretches, Brazil looked frustrated, predictable, and increasingly desperate.
But unlike others on this chaotic night, they found a way.
Veteran midfielder Casemiro dragged them back with a second-half equalizer before substitute Gabriel Martinelli delivered the decisive blow six minutes into stoppage time, breaking Japanese hearts and sending Brazil into the Round of 16.
It was messy, far from convincing, but it was survival.
Elsewhere, Germany discovered that history offers no protection in modern World Cup football.
The four-time champions were stunned by Paraguay after a nerve-shredding penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in Foxborough.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the unlikely hero while Germany suffered an unwanted piece of history — their first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat.
For a team seeking to re-establish itself among football’s elite, it was another painful reminder that the glory days feel increasingly distant.
Then came another collapse.
The Netherlands, minutes away from victory against Morocco in Monterrey after an emotional strike from Cody Gakpo, were denied deep into stoppage time before eventually crashing out on penalties.
Morocco refused to go quietly. The Dutch simply could not finish the job.
And suddenly, this World Cup knockout stage feels wildly unpredictable.
Three giants entered Monday expected to progress. Only Brazil survived.
The expanding 48-team format had already promised more competitive balance, but the Round of 32 is now delivering full-scale disorder, where discipline, resilience and nerve are proving just as valuable as pedigree.
Brazil escaped.
Germany fell.
The Dutch followed.
And if this is how the knockout phase begins, World Cup 2026 may be heading toward its most chaotic edition yet.
