By Francis Onyach - Reporter
USA, June 29, 2026 - Brazil left it late but found a way when it mattered most, with substitute Gabriel Martinelli scoring deep into stoppage time to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Japan and send the five-time world champions into the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Just as the match appeared destined for extra time, the Arsenal forward fired home in the 95th minute to cap an inspired second-half fightback from Carlo Ancelotti's side, who had trailed at the interval after another disciplined display from Japan. The victory keeps Brazil's dream of a sixth World Cup title alive, while Japan bow out after pushing one of the tournament favourites to the very limit.
Brazil arrived in Houston full of confidence after finishing top of Group C with seven points, powered by Vinicius Junior's outstanding group-stage form. Japan, meanwhile, entered the knockout clash determined to make history by defeating Brazil for the first time ever at a FIFA World Cup, setting up with a disciplined five-man defence designed to frustrate Ancelotti's attacking stars.
Despite dominating possession from the opening whistle, Brazil struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Japan's organised defensive structure. Vinicius Junior looked dangerous whenever he found space down the left, while Matheus Cunha's movement caused occasional problems, but Japan remained compact and disciplined.
Then came the first major shock of the afternoon.
In the 29th minute, Kaishu Sano punished a costly Brazilian mistake to put Japan ahead. The midfielder seized on a loose pass before producing a composed finish beyond Alisson for his first international goal, silencing the Brazilian supporters inside NRG Stadium and handing the Asian side a deserved 1-0 lead.
Brazil looked rattled before the interval, circulating possession without their usual cutting edge as Japan defended with remarkable discipline. The underdogs carried their one-goal advantage into half-time, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with plenty to think about.
The Italian manager responded by introducing Endrick at the break, and Brazil emerged for the second half with far greater urgency.
Their pressure finally paid off in the 56th minute.
From a well-worked attacking move, Gabriel Magalhães delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area where veteran midfielder Casemiro rose highest to power a header past Zion Suzuki, bringing Brazil level at 1-1. It was a goal that completely shifted the momentum of the contest as the five-time champions intensified their search for a winner.
Japan refused to collapse.
Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a series of impressive saves to deny Vinicius Junior and Bruno Guimarães, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Ito continued to frustrate Brazil's attackers with disciplined defending. As the clock ticked towards 90 minutes, extra time appeared increasingly inevitable.
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Ancelotti made another decisive change in the 66th minute, introducing Gabriel Martinelli to inject fresh energy into Brazil's attack.
The substitution proved inspired.
Five minutes into stoppage time, Bruno Guimarães found Martinelli inside the penalty area. The Arsenal winger took one touch before drilling a powerful finish beyond Suzuki and in off the post, sending the Brazilian bench into wild celebrations. It was a moment of individual brilliance that finally broke Japan's resistance and secured Brazil's place in the last 16.
The dramatic winner underlined Brazil's resilience as much as their quality. For long periods, they struggled to break down one of the tournament's most organised defensive teams, yet they continued to push forward until the very end.
There was, however, one concern for Brazil despite the victory.
Goalscorer Casemiro was forced off late in the second half with what appeared to be a groin problem, raising doubts about his availability for the next round. Ancelotti will hope the experienced midfielder has not suffered a serious injury as Brazil prepare for another demanding knockout fixture.
For Japan, the defeat was heartbreaking but their performance earned widespread admiration. Hajime Moriyasu's side executed their game plan superbly for much of the contest, defended courageously and came within minutes of forcing extra time against one of football's biggest nations.
Brazil, meanwhile, continue to gather momentum.
Having topped their group with convincing victories over Haiti and Scotland and a draw against Morocco, they have now shown they can also win the difficult matches when everything is on the line. Vinicius Junior remained a constant threat, Casemiro delivered when his side needed inspiration, and Martinelli emerged as the hero with one of the most important goals of Brazil's tournament so far.