2026 FIFA World Cup: Martinelli’s Stoppage-Time Heroics Send Brazil into Round of 16 After Japan Scare
Five-time world champions Brazil needed a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli to avoid a major FIFA World Cup upset as they edged Japan 2-1 in a thrilling Round of 32 encounter in Houston on Monday.
With extra time looming and Japan appearing just moments away from taking the contest beyond 90 minutes, Martinelli emerged as Brazil’s hero, firing home in the fifth minute of added time to book the Selecao’s place in the Round of 16.
The Arsenal winger reacted quickest inside the penalty area, squeezing his effort in at the far post to cap a dramatic comeback and preserve Brazil’s hopes of lifting a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
The victory was anything but straightforward for Dorival Júnior’s side, who struggled to break down a disciplined and energetic Japanese team that threatened one of the tournament’s biggest shocks.
Japan stunned the South American giants in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano.
The midfielder capitalised on a poor pass from Brazilian defender Danilo, driving purposefully towards the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a precise low strike that beat the goalkeeper and nestled into the bottom-left corner.
The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Japanese supporters and left Brazil facing an uphill task for the first time in the tournament.
Despite dominating possession for long spells, Brazil found it difficult to create clear-cut opportunities before the break as Japan defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the counterattack.
Brazil finally found the breakthrough 11 minutes into the second half.
Veteran midfielder Casemiro rose highest at the back post to power home a header from Gabriel Magalhães’ inviting cross, restoring parity and shifting the momentum firmly in Brazil’s favour.
Buoyed by the equaliser, the Selecao intensified their search for a winner.
Moments later, Vinícius Júnior dazzled with one of his trademark dribbles, weaving through the Japanese defence before unleashing a powerful effort that was brilliantly pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
The save appeared destined to earn Japan another opportunity in extra time as the Asian side continued to frustrate Brazil with determined defending and disciplined organisation.
However, just as the match seemed set for an additional 30 minutes, Brazil delivered the decisive blow.
Deep into stoppage time, Martinelli found space inside the penalty area and calmly steered the ball into the far corner, breaking Japanese hearts and sparking wild celebrations among the Brazilian players and supporters.
The late strike completed Brazil’s comeback and ensured they avoided what would have been one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Japan, meanwhile, exited the competition with their heads held high after producing one of their finest performances against one of world football’s traditional powerhouses.
Their disciplined display once again highlighted the growing competitiveness of Asian football, even though they ultimately fell just short of a famous victory.
Brazil now advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the winners of Tuesday’s Round of 32 clash between Côte d’Ivoire and Norway in New Jersey.
While the result keeps Brazil’s dream of another World Cup triumph alive, Monday’s narrow escape also serves as a reminder that every knockout match presents its own unique challenge, regardless of reputation or history.
