Martinelli’s Late Strike Secures Brazil’s 2-1 Victory Over Japan, Advancing to World Cup Round of 16

Published On 29 Jun 202629 Jun 2026

Gabriel Martinelli netted the decisive goal in stoppage time, lifting five‑time champions Brazil to a 2‑1 victory over Japan in the World Cup round of 32 held in Houston.

Introduced as a second‑half substitute, Martinelli found the net in the sixth minute of added time, when the contest seemed destined for extra time.

Brazil will now meet either Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for the round of 16 clash.

Earlier, Casemiro leveled the score with a header in the 56th minute, courtesy of an assist from Gabriel Magalhães, after having missed a chance just two minutes prior. The effort eluded the outstretched hand of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki before crossing the line.

Japan took the lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a wayward midfield pass and fired a right‑footed shot from just outside the penalty arc.

Vinícius Júnior, who has tallied four goals in the tournament, had an opportunity to put Brazil ahead in the 58th minute, but his left‑sided effort was parried by Suzuki and drifted wide of the far post.

Brazil created two early second‑half opportunities to level the match before the late winner arrived. Initially, Suzuki denied a header from Bruno Guimarães in the 52nd minute, and shortly thereafter Casemiro’s header ricocheted off a defender and struck Suzuki’s face.

Japan has yet to secure a victory in a World Cup knockout encounter.

The triumph marks Brazil’s 12th win in 15 meetings with Japan; the sides have also drawn twice, and Japan’s first victory in the fixture came in a friendly held in Tokyo last October.

These connections extend to football, where Brazilian legend Zico transferred to Japan in 1991 to join Kashima Antlers and assist in developing the nation’s professional league. He later coached the Japan national team from 2002 to 2006, guiding them to the 2006 World Cup.

That side suffered a 4‑1 defeat to Brazil in the only previous World Cup encounter between the two nations.

Brazil topped Group C following a draw with Morocco and wins over Haiti and Scotland.

Monday’s win coincided with the anniversary of Brazil’s inaugural World Cup triumph in Sweden in 1958, when a 17‑year‑old Pelé netted twice in the final against the hosts.

Japan advanced to the round of 32 as the runner‑up in Group F, having recorded draws with the Netherlands and Sweden and a victory over Tunisia. The defeat ends a ten‑match unbeaten run that began after a 2‑0 loss to the United States in September.

Source link