Brazil staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Japan 2-1
on Monday, securing a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli emerged as the
hero, scoring a stoppage-time winner to send the five-time world champions into
the next stage of the competition.
The victory at Houston Stadium also marked Brazil's
first comeback win in a FIFA World Cup knockout match since defeating England
at the 2002 tournament.
Japan stunned Brazil by taking the lead in the 29th
minute through Kaishu Sano. The midfielder capitalised on a loose ball in
midfield before firing a low shot beyond goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give the
Asian side a deserved advantage.
The goal left Carlo Ancelotti's men chasing the game,
and Brazil struggled to find a breakthrough before the halftime whistle. It
also extended a worrying trend, as the South Americans had failed to win any of
their previous five World Cup matches after conceding first.
Brazil returned after the break with greater urgency,
boosted by the introduction of teenage forward Endrick, who added pace and
energy to the attack.
Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a series of
outstanding saves to deny Matheus Cunha, Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro as Brazil
mounted relentless pressure.
The breakthrough finally came just before the hour
mark when veteran midfielder Casemiro rose highest to head home a cross from
Gabriel Magalhães, restoring parity for the Selecão.
At 34 years and 126 days old, Casemiro became the
second-oldest Brazilian player to score at a FIFA World Cup, behind Bebeto.
Brazil continued to dominate possession and create
chances, with Vinícius Júnior coming close after an impressive solo run.
With extra time looming, Bruno Guimarães delivered his
fourth assist of the tournament, picking out Martinelli at the far post. The
Arsenal winger kept his composure before curling a superb finish into the net
deep into stoppage time to complete Brazil's comeback.
The defeat ended Japan's hopes of progressing in the
tournament while extending their winless record against Brazil in competitive
matches.
Brazil will now face the winner of the Round of 32
clash between Côte d'Ivoire and Norway in the Round of 16.
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