Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in a thrilling FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash in Houston. Gabriel Martinelli struck a last-gasp winner deep into stoppage time to seal a memorable comeback for Carlo Ancelotti`s side.
Japan took the lead in the first half through Kaishu Sano, but Brazil responded after the break. Casemiro headed home the equaliser before Martinelli`s stoppage-time strike completed the turnaround for the five-time world champions.
Ancelotti named an unchanged starting XI following Brazil`s victory over Scotland, while Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu made four changes to the side that faced Sweden.
Brazil dominated possession from the opening whistle and created several early chances. Lucas Paquetá tested Zion Suzuki from a free-kick in the 10th minute, while Matheus Cunha`s powerful effort four minutes later was also brilliantly saved by the Japanese goalkeeper.
Against the run of play, Japan stunned Brazil in the 29th minute. Capitalising on a defensive mistake, Kaishu Sano surged forward from midfield before unleashing a superb long-range strike from outside the box that beat Alisson. The goal, Sano`s first for the national team, handed Japan a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Ancelotti introduced Endrick for Paquetá at the start of the second half, and Brazil immediately looked more dangerous. Bruno Guimarães came close with a header in the 52nd minute, while Japan`s defenders produced a remarkable goal-line clearance moments later to deny the Seleção.
Brazil finally found the breakthrough in the 56th minute when Casemiro powered home a header from Gabriel Magalhães` pinpoint cross to level the score. Two minutes later, Suzuki produced another outstanding save to deny Vinícius Júnior from close range.
Seeking a winner, Ancelotti brought on Gabriel Martinelli in place of Cunha. With six minutes of stoppage time added, the match appeared destined for extra time.
However, in the sixth minute of added time, Bruno Guimarães delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Martinelli, who took advantage of a momentary lapse in Japan`s defence. His low, angled effort clipped the post before finding the back of the net, giving Brazil a dramatic 2-1 lead.
Japan threw everything forward in the closing moments, but Brazil stood firm. When the referee blew the final whistle in the 101st minute, the Brazilian players and fans erupted in celebration as Ancelotti`s men secured a dramatic comeback victory and advanced to the Round of 16.
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