Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage time goal to help Brazil clinch a 2-1 comeback triumph over Japan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match on Monday 29 June, 2026 at Houston Stadium in Texas, United States (US).
The Green-Yellow will now play against the winner between Norway and Ivory Coast in the Round of 16 of the tournament.
It was a sad end for the Asian country after fearlessly battling the Brazilians, giving them so much difficulty in the first half and matching them gallantly in the second half.
But, it was former Real Madrid Coach, Carlo Ancelotti’s Green-Yellow that progressed after so much hard work.
The Samurai Blue played serenely in the first half and got rewarded with their goal in the 29th minute after Kaishū Sano capitalized on Danilo’s loose pass, drove past defensive midfielder, Casemiro, and placed the ball into the bottom corner.
The South Americans really struggled to level in the first half, but, Japan held on and the game went on break with the Asian side leading 1-0.
After the game resumed, Casemiro converted an assist from Gabriel Magalhaes to level for Brazil in the 56rh minute.
A fine effort, a shot towards the far corner, from Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Junior, was saved by Japan goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki. The goalie, who fields for Italian Serie A club, Parma, tipped Vinicius’ attempt on to the post.
In the 5th minute of additional time, Brazil won possession back on the edge of the Japan box, and Newcastle United midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes, released the ball to Martinelli, who found the back of the net to clinch a spot for Brazil in the last 16 of the tournament.
For the first half, the Brazilians looked like they were frustrated as they were unable to break through Japan’s defence, which was loaded with five (5) players.
The Green-Yellow dominated, however, whenever an attacking player received the ball in front, they immediately found a Japan defender halt their goal chances and gave the South Americans no space to wriggle through.
But, Ancelotti’s changes ignited Brazil into life. One of his changes was bringing on Endrick, who replaced Lucas Paqueta. The Japanese later got the Italian manager’s tactic, but, a stoppage time miscalculation led to Brazil netting the winner through Martinelli.
Photo: Brazil players celebrate reaching the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 2-1 comeback win over Japan in the Round of 32 in Houston, US | Reuters
