World Cup: Brazil Earns a Last-Gasp Victory Over Japan in Round of 32

Brazil substitute Gabriel Martinelli delivered the dagger in the fifth minute of second-half injury time, rifling a shot past Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in a 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 match in Houston, Texas.

Bruno Guimares was the catalyst, making an excellent pass into the penalty area, giving Martinelli, who entered the match in the 65th minute, a chance to put his stamp on the knockout phase fixture.

Martinelli, who plies his craft for English Premier League side Arsenal, unleashed a strong kick, sending the ball flying in a diagonal angle, and out of Suzuki's reach.

That made it 2-1, Brazil.

Unrestrained joy erupted on the pitch for Carlo Ancelotti's squad, and Brazilian supporters celebrated with equal passion.

It was a crushing blow for Japan on Monday, June 29 (kickoff 2 AM JST on Tuesday), and a miracle tying goal didn't happen.

Five-time World Cup champion Brazil overcame a first-half deficit, thoroughly dominated the second half and advanced to the round of 16 with a 2-1 victory.

Ancelotti and Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu exchanged pleasantries on the field at 4:03 AM JST.

That moment, of course, represented the continuation of Brazil's quest for a record-extending sixth title ― and its first since 2002 in Japan.

World Cup — *Japan players react after the match against Brazil. (©KYODO)*

Brazil to Face Ivory Coast-Norway Winner in Round of 16

Up next for the Selecao: a round of 16 clash against the Ivory Coast-Norway winner on Sunday, July 5 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Before the focus shifts to Brazil's next match, how did its skilled tactician supervise its first knockout phase test of the 2026 tourney?

"We didn't lose our patience, we had a lot of resources on the pitch and on the bench," Ancelotti said. "Japan isn't an easy opponent, it's very organized and intense.

"I was saving [veteran superstar] Neymar for extra time. He was going to enter the pitch in the 105th minute if we hadn't scored the second goal. I didn't want to change the structure because the team was playing well."

Japan, winner of 10 straight matches heading into Monday's, has appeared in eight consecutive World Cups, but never advanced past the round of 16. The Samurai Blue are 0-4 in that round, including losses in 2018 and '22.

"I'm very disappointed that we have to leave the tournament at this stage, but the players gave their all today, as they did throughout the journey to reach this point," Moriyasu told reporters. "The coaching staff also worked tirelessly to support the players. Right now I'm devastated after giving everything we had, but I want to accept this result and use it to become an even stronger team."

Brazil improved its head-to-head record against Japan in the World Cup to 2-0, previously beating the Samurai Blue 4-1 in Germany in the 2006 tournament in a group phase match.

Monday's duel was a rematch of an October 2025 friendly in Tokyo, when Japan defeated Brazil, 3-2, picking up a victory for the first time in 14 matches against the South Americans.

Sano Gives Japan a 1-0 Lead

In the 29th minute, Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano stole a pass from Brazil near midfield and swiftly moved with the ball. The two-time World Cup player, who is employed by German Bundesliga squad Mainz, created space for himself to send a rolling shot past diving Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

Japan 1, Brazil 0.

It was Sano's first goal for the national team (in his 16th appearance).

Moments earlier, Ayase Ueda's header sailed over the crossbar.

Japan's overall intensity triggered its 1-0 lead, producing scoring chances. At the same time, its aggressive defense halted several incursions by Brazil.

Suzuki, appearing in his first World Cup, was alert and showed his athleticism, including a leaping grab in the 46th minute. And he made another stop a moment later.

With the insertion of Brazil's energetic 19-year-old attacker Endrick as a substitute late in the first half, Ancelotti provided a glimpse of things to come.

By halftime, Brazil had taken eight shots to Japan's four.

Ancelotti's team turned the page, so to speak, after the errant pass led to Sano's goal.

"There is no not making mistakes because nobody is perfect," Ancelotti said, according to The Associated Press. "But you have to overcome it and you have to push it forward. The team did a good job of that in the second half."

Brazil's Talent Shines Through in 2nd Half

Ancelotti adjusted his lineup for the second half, switching from a 4-1-2-3 formation to 4-2-3-1.

A steady flurry of centering passes, greater ball control and overall synergy turned the tide for Brazil. Its offensive creativity and ability meshed. Which led to a 19-5 edge in attempts at goal and 706 passes to Japan's 333 on this night.

In the 56th minute, Casemiro's leaping header leveled the score at 1-1, as he angled the ball past Suzuki from 25 meters out. Teammate Gabriel Magalhaes delivered an on-target cross from the left side that Casemiro, a Manchester United player, pounced on.

"The team's greatest strength was our mindset," said the 34-year-old Casemiro. "We kept up the pressure on our attacking field."

He went on: "In a World Cup, it is crucial to value the players coming off the bench. Endrick came on and played very well today, Martinelli is another great player, and Rayan has been replacing Raphinha really well. That's the spirit, and this is the squad to win the World Cup."

Japan forward Junya Ito said Brazil dictated the action after intermission.

"We got off to a good start in the first half, scored first, and had a good flow going," Ito told reporters. "But from the start of the second half they pinned us back, and once they equalized the momentum swung their way."

What else changed?

"They started putting simple crosses in one after another, and we conceded when their midfielder drifted to the back post," Ito said. "From there, we made the game difficult for ourselves again."

Opportunity Knocks for Brazil

In its dominant effort in the second half, Brazil kept challenging Suzuki. He turned aside a number of quality chances, diving, leaping or being in the right place at the right time to stop the ball's intended path.

In one notable instance, the 23-year-old goalkeeper parried Vinicius Junior's attack from the left side early in the second half, then the ball ricocheted off the post.

Japan's revamped defensive corps, with Takehiro Tomiyasu replacing Ko Itakura in the starting XI, withstood a barrage of Brazilian chances following the 56th-minute equalizer. But Martinelli's late heroics ended the Samurai Blue's hopes of the match being decided in extra time.

"I can't find the words to describe the joy in my heart. Seeing all those fans on their feet, my parents, my friends," Martinelli told reporters before adding, "I can't explain it."

He continued: "I'm just happy I was able to help the team, whether I'm playing on the left or through the middle. The most important thing is helping the team."

Moriyasu Issues an Apology After Japan's World Cup Exit

A stark contrast to Martinelli's euphoric mood was the apologetic tone in Moriyasu's remarks.

"So many Japanese supporters came to this stadium here in Houston, and today, even in the middle of the night, there were people in Japan and all over the world cheering us on via TV and streaming services," Moriyasu said, according to Tokyo Sports' website. "So I'm sorry we couldn't deliver a victory. As the head coach, I truly feel I fell short, and I want to apologize to everyone."