Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time winner sent Brazil into the last 16 of the World Cup, breaking Japanese hearts in a dramatic 2-1 victory. The goal, scored in the 95th minute, came after Brazil trailed 1-0 at half-time and faced the prospect of their earliest World Cup exit.
First-half struggles for Brazil
Brazil started poorly, with five players over 30 in the starting lineup, and Japan exploited their lack of pace and creativity. Japan took the lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted Danilo's pass, surged past Casemiro, and fired a low shot from outside the box. Brazil had little answer, with Vinícius Júnior neutralized by Japan's compact defense, particularly Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ritsu Doan.
Ancelotti's half-time changes turn the tide
Carlo Ancelotti introduced Endrick and switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, shifting Brazil's approach to crossing. The change paid off quickly: Casemiro equalized in the 56th minute with a powerful header from Gabriel Magalhães's chip. Vinícius hit the post, but Japan's threat diminished after their wingbacks were substituted.
Martinelli's decisive moment
In stoppage time, Ao Tanaka lost possession on the edge of his box, and Bruno Guimarães laid the ball left for Martinelli, who squeezed his shot past Zion Suzuki. Brazil advanced to face the winner of Côte d'Ivoire vs Norway.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu acknowledged the psychological hurdle of knockout matches, saying, 'We haven't won a knockout game, but this is our best World Cup performance.' Brazil's first-half display exposed midfield weaknesses, but their second-half transformation highlighted attacking quality. Ancelotti's method of staying in games, reminiscent of his Real Madrid success, continues to work.
