Brazil goals: Casemiro (56), Martinelli (90+5) Japan goals: Sano (29)
Gabriel Martinelli scored in the final moments to give Brazil a last-gasp victory over Japan in the Round of 32 in Houston. The South Americans will face the Côte d'Ivoire-Norway winner in the Round of 16 on 5 July at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had called for “mind, heart and clarity” and they required every bit of all three to come back against the Samurai Blue.
Japan were dreaming at half-time thanks to an excellent strike from Kaishu Sano, who pounced on an under-hit pass, surged into the space left by the Brazilian defence and fired home a right-footed finish for his first Japan goal.
A Houston Stadium mostly awash in yellow pleaded for an answer. After two close calls, a third thumping header pulled Brazil level, with Casemiro doing the honours off inch-prefect service from Gabriel Magalhaes.
If not for the fingertips of Zion Suzuki, Vinicius Junior would have given Brazil a lead just minutes later instead of lamenting a ball off the post.
The Seleçao smelled blood, and Japan succumbed for good in the waning moments as Bruno Guimaraes found Martinelli, who beat Suzuki to set off bedlam in the Space City.
Brazil’s quest for a sixth star continues, while Japan’s first knockout round win will have to wait.
This was Gabriel Martinelli's fifth international goal and the third which he has scored in the United States.
"I can’t find the words to describe the joy in my heart. Seeing all those fans on their feet, my parents, my friends... I can't explain it. After hitting the woodwork, I knew I'd get another chance. I honestly don't have the words. 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." Gabriel Martinelli, Brazil forward
"We didn't lose our patience, we had a lot of resources on the pitch and on the bench. Japan isn't an easy opponent, it's very organized and intense. I was saving Neymar for the extra time. He was going to enter the pitch on minute 105 if we hadn't scored the second goal. I didn't want to change the structure because the team was playing well." Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil coach
"The team's greatest strength was our mindset. We kept up the pressure on our attacking field. 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." Casemiro, Brazil player "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. 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." Hajime Moriyasu, Japan coach
"We got off to a good start in the first half, scored first, and had a good flow going. But from the start of the second half they pinned us back, and once they equalised the momentum swung their way. They started putting simple crosses in one after another, and we conceded when their midfielder drifted to the back post. From there, we made the game difficult for ourselves again." Junya Ito, Japan player
Sources: FIFA Official
