Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic Brazil stoppage time goal to send the South American giants into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Brazil rallied past Japan 2-1 at Houston Stadium in Texas on Monday. The late heroics allowed Brazil to avoid their earliest World Cup exit since falling out in the second group stage of 1982.
Japan again failed to secure their first knockout win in their history at the tournament. Therefore, the Japanese remain searching for that elusive milestone. Zion Suzuki made four saves for Japan to keep them competitive throughout. Meanwhile, Alisson Becker was credited with one save for Brazil, who will face either Ivory Coast or Norway on July 5 in the round of 16 in East Rutherford.
Japan took the lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano. Danilo gave the ball away in midfield, and Sano latched onto it immediately before beating Casemiro. After running 20 yards forward, he smashed the ball past Alisson into the bottom corner. So Japan looked in control heading into halftime with their one-goal advantage.
Casemiro equalized for Brazil in the 56th minute with a brilliant header. He jumped the highest at the far post to head home a cross from Gabriel Magalhaes. The goal brought Brazil back into the match. Additionally, it shifted momentum back in the South American team’s direction.
Aged 34 years and 126 days, Casemiro became the second-oldest goalscorer for Brazil at the World Cup. Only Bebeto holds the distinction of being older, scoring at 34 years and 137 days against Denmark in 1998. This milestone highlights Casemiro’s experience and value to the Brazilian squad.
However, Japan continued to threaten throughout the second half. The match remained evenly contested despite Brazil’s dominance in possession. Both teams created chances, and either result seemed possible as the match progressed toward its conclusion.
Martinelli scored the Brazil stoppage time goal to dash Japan’s World Cup hopes. Guimaraes received the ball at the edge of the box and considered going on his own. Instead, he played in Martinelli who controlled the ball with a first touch. He then bent it away from Suzuki, who got his hand on the Arsenal forward’s shot. However, his effort was not enough to deny the Brazilian forward his dramatic winner.
The late goal summed up Brazil’s character and quality. Even when pressed and challenged by Japan’s spirited performance, Brazil found a way to advance. Martinelli’s finish showed composure under pressure in a high-stakes moment. Finally, Brazil’s progression to the round of 16 sets up a challenging fixture against either Ivory Coast or Norway.
