Brazil 2-1 Japan Brazil needed a dramatic stoppage-time winner from substitute Gabriel Martinelli to edge Japan 2-1 in Houston on Monday and book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. With extra time looming, Martinelli emerged as the hero in the sixth minute of added time, finishing off Brazil's relentless pressure to send the five-time world champions through to the last 16, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Japan had stunned the South American giants by taking the lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano. The midfielder intercepted a misplaced pass in midfield before surging forward and firing a right-footed strike from outside the penalty area beyond Brazil goalkeeper Alisson. Brazil dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Japanese defence until Casemiro restored parity 11 minutes into the second half. The veteran midfielder rose highest to meet Gabriel Magalhães' cross, directing a powerful header beyond Zion Suzuki after coming close moments earlier. The equaliser sparked Brazil into life. Vinicius Junior, already with four goals at the tournament, came within inches of putting his side ahead in the 58th minute, but his effort from the left side of the box was brilliantly tipped onto the post by Suzuki. The Japanese goalkeeper produced another impressive display, making four saves, including crucial stops to deny Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro early in the second half as Brazil piled on the pressure. Just when the match appeared destined for extra time, Martinelli delivered the decisive blow. The Arsenal winger, introduced from the bench in the second half, struck deep into stoppage time to crush Japan's hopes and keep Brazil's quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title alive. Brazil's victory came at a cost, however, as Casemiro was forced off during stoppage time with what appeared to be a leg injury, leaving concerns over his availability for the next round. The result extended Brazil's impressive record against Japan to 12 wins from 17 meetings, with two draws and just one defeat. It also preserved Japan's long wait for a first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match. The encounter carried historical significance beyond the pitch. Brazil is home to the world's largest Japanese diaspora, with about 2.7 million people of Japanese descent. Football legend Zico also played a pivotal role in developing the professional game in Japan after joining Kashima Antlers in 1991 before later coaching the national team. The two nations had met only once before at the World Cup, when Brazil defeated Japan 4-1 during the 2006 group stage. Brazil reached the knockout rounds after topping Group C with wins over Haiti and Scotland and a draw against Morocco. Monday's victory also coincided with the anniversary of their first World Cup triumph in 1958, when a 17-year-old Pelé inspired Brazil to glory in Sweden. Japan advanced as runners-up in Group F after defeating Tunisia and drawing with both the Netherlands and Sweden. The defeat also ended the Samurai Blue's 10-match unbeaten run, stretching back to a loss against the United States last September.
