Full‑time: Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage‑time goal eliminates Japan’s World Cup hopes and sends Brazil through.
Brazil required every decisive moment to secure victory.
Japan applied relentless pressure from the opening whistle, prompting an early error by Alisson that presented Kaishu Sano with a clear chance, and he broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, silencing the boisterous NRG Stadium.
The Samurai Blue displayed superb organization, combativeness, and effective counter‑attacking play throughout the first half.
Brazil equalised in the 56th minute when Casemiro converted a Rayan cross, catching goalkeeper Zion Suzuki off guard, yet Japan refused to succumb.
Suzuki demonstrated exceptional reflexes, tipping Vinícius Júnior’s shot onto the post, and for much of the second half the match appeared destined for extra time.
Vinícius Júnior also struck the post during the frantic final moments as Brazil committed everything forward.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Guimarães feinted a shot before slipping in substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who opened his body and rolled the ball into the net, prompting delirium among Brazilian supporters.
Brazil steal it right at the death ??
Gabriel Martinelli surely wins for his country in the 96th minute… pic.twitter.com/Ptly6foaIL
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 29, 2026
Brazil will now meet the winner of the Norway versus Ivory Coast match in the Round of 16.
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