Brazil Survive Japan Scare as Martinelli's Stoppage-Time Winner Seals Dramatic Victory

Brazil Survive Japan Scare as Martinelli's Stoppage-Time Winner Seals Dramatic Victory

The five-time world champions were made to work hard for their victory against an unbeaten Japan side that had already stunned Brazil 3-2 in a friendly last year. Brazil dominated possession early, with Matheus Cunha forcing a one-handed save from Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in the 14th minute. But it was Japan who struck first against the run of play when Danilo's misplaced pass was intercepted by Kaishu Sano, who surged forward and unleashed a missile that flew past Alisson in the 29th minute.

The goal silenced the Brazilian fans inside the stadium and sent a shockwave through the tournament. The Brazilians came out with renewed urgency after the break, and their persistence paid off in the 56th minute when Casemiro atoned for his earlier mistake by heading home Bruno Guimaraes' cross to level the scores.

Vinicius Junior then produced a moment of magic minutes later, but his mazy run ended with a strike that crashed against the post.

Brazil kept up the pressure and were finally rewarded deep into stoppage time when Guimaraes' precise pass found an unmarked Martinelli inside the box, who kept his cool to beat Suzuki one-on-one and send Brazil into the last 16.

The victory keeps Brazil's World Cup dreams alive, but the performance raised questions about their vulnerability against well-organized opposition. Japan, who reached the last 16 in both 2018 and 2022 but never progressed further, once again fell at the same hurdle.

The Samurai Blue had entered the knockout stage unbeaten, having defeated Tunisia 4-0 and drawn with both Netherlands and Sweden in the group phase. But they will be left to rue missed opportunities and the defensive lapse that ultimately cost them a famous victory.