HOUSTON — Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Brazil survived a major scare against Japan with a 2-1 victory on Monday to reach the World Cup round of 16.
The five-time world champions trailed for much of the match and were close to being taken to extra time before Martinelli struck late in injury time to end Japan’s hopes of a famous upset.
Brazil will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the round of 16 on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti said Martinelli’s energy was one of the main reasons behind his introduction in the second half.
“Above all else we wanted to freshen up the field because Martinelli has a lot of intensity as a player,” Ancelotti said. “When he goes in the match, he’s always on his top game.”
Japan took a surprise lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a misplaced pass near midfield, drove forward and fired a right-footed shot past the Brazilian defense to put the Samurai Blue ahead.
Brazil responded after halftime through Casemiro, who headed in the equalizer in the 56th minute from Gabriel Magalhães’ assist after the Seleção had created several dangerous chances.
Vinícius Júnior, who has scored four goals in the tournament, nearly put Brazil ahead two minutes later, but his effort was deflected by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and struck the far post.
Suzuki made four saves to keep Japan alive, while Brazil continued to press in search of a winner.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Martinelli found the breakthrough, sending Brazil into the next round and extending Japan’s wait for a first World Cup knockout victory.
Japan has now lost four times in the knockout stage, including painful exits in 2018 and 2022 after also taking the lead.
“The gap between us is closing now,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said. “Brazil is a top-tier team and we’re definitely approaching that level. But we have to raise our game.”
Brazil was without Neymar, who remained on the bench after making his first appearance of the tournament in the group-stage win over Scotland. Ancelotti said he considered using the forward but ultimately decided against it.
“I was seriously considering putting him on the pitch,” Ancelotti said. “In the end, we did not need him.”
Casemiro left the match in second-half stoppage time with an apparent leg injury, giving Brazil another concern before the round of 16.
Brazil, which topped Group C after drawing with Morocco and beating Haiti and Scotland, advanced on the anniversary of its first World Cup title in 1958, when a 17-year-old Pele scored twice in the final against Sweden.
Japan, runner-up in Group F after draws with the Netherlands and Sweden and a win over Tunisia, saw its 10-match unbeaten run come to an end.
Source: Saudi Gazette