NEWS
Martinelli Turns Hero: Brazil Beats Japan Late
The super-sub strikes, sending the "Selecao" into the round of 16 with a stoppage-time goal.
Brazil advances to the World Cup round of 16! The "Selecao" defeats Japan 2-1 thanks to a late Martinelli goal.
The match started as expected: Brazil had possession for most of the time, while Japan focused on defense and waited for counter-attacks.
The Brazilians had the first notable action after almost 15 minutes: Cunha took a shot, but Suzuki in Japan's goal was there to save (14.).
Brazil remained dominant even after the hydration break, but it was the Japanese who scored. Sano started a solo run in midfield, was not challenged about 20 meters from goal, and fired a shot. The ball found the bottom left corner perfectly - 1-0 for the underdog (29.)!
Casemiro Shows Heading Skill
Little changed in the familiar pattern: Brazil controlled the game but without becoming dangerous. Vinicius Junior (34.) and Cunha (39.) tried from range, but their shots were far too central.
At halftime, Brazil's coach Ancelotti made a substitution. Endrick came on for the injured Paqueta. The "Selecao" showed better energy afterwards. Guimares forced a save from Suzuki with a header after a Danilo cross (52.).
Shortly after, almost the equalizer. Following a cross, Casemiro came flying in with a diving header, but the Japanese collectively cleared off the line (54.). In the next situation, however, they were powerless. Again, a cross flew into the penalty area, again Casemiro was there, and this time the ball was in (56.).
All News on the 2026 World Cup >>>
Brazil was now pressing and even had a chance to take the lead: Vini Jr. drove impressively into the penalty area, but his shot hit the post (59.).
In the minutes that followed, Japan was able to provide some relief and Ueda even got a shot that Alisson could only secure on the second attempt (64.).
Martinelli Becomes the Hero
Brazil continued to work for the lead, but the final pass was missing. Japan also defended better again. In the 86th minute, there was a penalty scare when substitute Martinelli was hit in the face by Maeda after a free-kick. However, referee Mariani's whistle remained silent, and the VAR also did not intervene.
Just as everything pointed towards extra time, it still happened: A fine through ball from Bruno found Martinelli at the five-yard box, and he slotted home for 2-1 (90.+5).
Mariani added a few more minutes of stoppage time, but Brazil ultimately saw out the victory and is in the round of 16.
