Gabriel Martinelli scored deep into added time to give Brazil a 2-1 victory over Japan in the round of 32 at Houston’s NRG Stadium on Monday. The Arsenal winger, introduced as a second-half substitute, collected a pass from Bruno Guimarães inside the area and drove a low shot that goalkeeper Zion Suzuki could only palm onto the inside of the post and in. The 96th-minute goal sparked wild celebrations among the heavily pro-Brazilian crowd and sent the five-time champions into a last-16 meeting with either Ivory Coast or Norway.

Japan had taken a shock lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a misplaced pass from Danilo, surged forward unchallenged, and drilled a low drive past Alisson. Brazil dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Japanese defence until after the interval. Carlo Ancelotti introduced Endrick for the injured Lucas Paquetá at half-time, and the Seleção immediately increased the pressure. Casemiro headed in an equaliser in the 56th minute from Gabriel Magalhães’s cross, and moments later Vinícius Júnior struck the post after a dazzling solo run. Japan held firm until the dying seconds, when Martinelli’s intervention avoided extra time.

Brazilian media described the victory as a test of character, noting that the team had to come from behind in a knockout match for the first time since the 2002 World Cup. Japanese outlets, while proud of their team’s resilience, highlighted the recurring inability to win a knockout game at a World Cup—this was their fifth such exit. European analysts pointed to Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments, particularly the introduction of Endrick and the shift to a more direct aerial approach, as the turning point. The match statistics underscored Brazil’s dominance: 20 shots to Japan’s 5, and 618 passes to 249.

Brazil will face the winner of Tuesday’s match between Ivory Coast and Norway in the round of 16 on 5 July in New Jersey. Japan exit the tournament having been unbeaten in the group stage, with a win over Tunisia and draws against the Netherlands and Sweden, but once again fall at the first knockout hurdle.