HOUSTON (Kashmir English): A 96th-minute strike by substitute Gabriel Martinelli secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory for Brazil over a stubborn Japan in the FIFA World Cup at Houston Stadium on Monday.
The high-stakes victory earned the five-time world champions a berth in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Despite Brazil dominating early possession, the Samurai Blue executed their counter-attacking game plan to perfection in the 29th minute as Japanese midfielder Kaishū Sano intercepted a sloppy pass from Brazilian defender Danilo in midfield.
Sano drove right past veteran midfielder Casemiro and a low right-footed strike from outside the penalty area shock the stadium and gave Japan a 1–0 lead.
At half time, Brazil were one goal down as they failed to break through Japan’s rigid 5-4-1 defensive block.
In the second half, Manager Carlo Ancelotti injected fresh attacking energy into the Seleção, bringing on young star Endrick.
Brazil’s intense pressure finally worked in the 56th minute. Casemiro, making amends for his first-half defensive blunder, utilized a perfectly floated cross from Gabriel Magalhães and headed the ball into the net to equalize.
However, as the game progressed into the stoppage time, tragedy struck for Japan deep. A defensive giveaway at the top of the box allowed Bruno Guimarães to quickly slide a clever ball through to Gabriel Martinelli.
The Arsenal winger coolly opened up his body and rolled a low finish past Suzuki into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations from the Brazilian supporters.
Brazil World Cup dream alive
With their World Cup dream kept alive, Brazil advances to the Round of 16, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway.
Meanwhile, a heartbroken Japan exited the tournament with heads held high after pushing one of football’s ultimate powerhouses to the absolute edge.
Earlier, the stadium erupted into a sea of yellow, green, and blue as both teams met in a thrilling, high-stakes Round of 32 clash.
