FIFA World Cup 2026: Martinelli magic helps Brazil edge Japan 2-1

Gabriel Martinelli scored in the final moments to give Brazil a last-gasp victory over Japan in the Round of 32 in Houston. The South Americans will face the Côte d’Ivoire-Norway winner in the Round of 16 on July at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had called for “mind, heart and clarity” and they required every bit of all three to come back against the Samurai Blue.

Japan were dreaming at half-time thanks to an excellent strike from Kaishu Sano, who pounced on an under-hit pass, surged into the space left by the Brazilian defence and fired home a right-footed finish for his first Japan goal.

A Houston Stadium mostly awash in yellow pleaded for an answer. After two close calls, a third thumping header pulled Brazil level, with Casemiro doing the honours off inch-prefect service from Gabriel Magalhaes.

If not for the fingertips of Zion Suzuki, Vinicius Junior would have given Brazil a lead just minutes later instead of lamenting a ball off the post.

The Seleçao smelled blood, and Japan succumbed for good in the waning moments as Bruno Guimaraes found Martinelli, who beat Suzuki to set off bedlam in the Space City.

Brazil’s quest for a sixth star continues, while Japan’s first knockout round win will have to wait. (FIFA)