Brazil rallies past Japan 2-1 on Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner, advances to World Cup Round of 16
HOUSTON — Brazil survived an early scare and kept its World Cup title hopes alive Monday, rallying for a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 at NRG Stadium.
Substitute Gabriel Martinelli delivered the decisive blow in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, burying a Bruno Guimarães assist to send the five-time world champions into the Round of 16 and avoid the possibility of extra time.
Japan stunned Brazil in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano capitalized on a defensive mistake and rifled a long-range strike past Alisson Becker, giving the underdogs a deserved halftime lead after frustrating Carlo Ancelotti’s side for much of the opening 45 minutes.
Brazil responded after the break.
Veteran midfielder Casemiro leveled the match in the 56th minute, rising to head home a cross from Gabriel Magalhães before Brazil relentlessly pushed for a winner. Vinícius Júnior nearly gave the Seleção the lead moments later, but his effort struck the post as Japan’s defense continued to bend without breaking.
With extra time looming, Martinelli provided the breakthrough Brazil had been searching for. The Arsenal winger calmly finished in stoppage time, capping a second-half comeback that extended Brazil’s streak of advancing beyond the opening knockout round.
Brazil finished with a significant edge in possession and scoring chances after a dominant second half, but Japan earned widespread praise for another disciplined performance against one of the tournament favorites.
The victory sends Brazil into the Round of 16, where the Seleção will face the winner of Monday’s Norway-Ivory Coast matchup in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Japan, meanwhile, exits the tournament after another spirited World Cup showing that fell just short of a historic knockout-stage breakthrough.
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