Brazil survive Japan scare with 95th-minute winner

Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic 95th-minute winner to earn Brazil a 2-1 victory over Japan, confirming their place in the last 16 of the World Cup. The result at Houston Stadium sets up a meeting with either Norway or Ivory Coast in the next round.

Kaishu Sano opened the scoring for Japan in the 29th minute, capitalising on a loose pass from Danilo to fire into the bottom corner. Brazil struggled to find an opening during the first half, but the team emerged with greater intensity after the break.

Casemiro levelled the scores 10 minutes into the second half, rising to head home a cross from Gabriel Magalhães. The match appeared destined for extra time until Ao Tanaka lost possession on the edge of the box in the final moments of stoppage time. Bruno Guimarães slipped the ball to Martinelli, who slotted his finish in off the post to seal the win.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti faced a difficult first half, with his side unable to break down a disciplined 5-man defence. The introduction of Endrick for Lucas Paqueta and a shift toward a more direct approach involving 28 second-half crosses eventually overwhelmed the Japanese backline.

For Japan, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their tournament, despite a heroic performance that saw them push the 5-time world champions to the limit. Takehiro Tomiyasu produced a vital goal-line block to deny Casemiro early in the second half, and the team defended resolutely until the final lapse in concentration proved fatal. 68,777 spectators watched as Brazil extended their campaign and Japan’s wait for a knockout-stage victory continued.

-BBC