Extra time had barely begun when Gabriel Martinelli pounced on the moment that defined the night. The winger drilled his shot off the right post and into the Japan net. As a result, Brazil snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory on Monday.
Brazil World Cup 2026 Run Rolls On
The Brazil World Cup 2026 campaign now charges into the Round of 16. The five-time champions join Canada as the second side through from the Round of 32. Meanwhile, Japan crashed out in heartbreaking fashion.
Bruno Guimarães started the decisive move five minutes into the extra period. He seized a careless Japan giveaway near the box. Then he threaded a pinpoint pass between two defenders to Martinelli. The finish beat goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and kissed the post on its way in.
Neymar had entered late as Brazil chased the winner. However, Martinelli’s strike turned that substitution into a footnote. Japan had almost no time left to respond.
Earlier, Casemiro hauled Brazil level in the 56th minute. The Manchester United man rose to head home a cross from teenager Rayan. Suzuki, caught flat-footed, could only watch it drop in. Moreover, Casemiro nearly scored three minutes before that, yet Suzuki and his defense smothered the effort.
Samurai Blue Stun Brazil Early
Japan shocked everyone with a 29th-minute opener. Kasha Sano collected a loose ball at midfield and surged forward. Then he split two defenders and fired past Alisson Becker.
Despite the deficit, Brazil bossed the first half. Canarinho fired eight shots to Japan’s four and connected on 93% of passes. In fact, they racked up 16 touches inside the Japan box. Suzuki, however, stood tall with four saves.
Vinícius Júnior kept probing yet could not break through. Still, Brazil’s relentless pressure eventually told.
Next, Brazil await the winner of Switzerland against Algeria. That Round of 16 clash lands Sunday in New Jersey, and the favorites will fancy their chances.
