Brazil 2–1 Japan: Martinelli Strikes in the 95th Minute to Break Japanese Hearts
The Round of 32 nearly claimed its first giant. Brazil, five-time champions and group-stage winners, were a goal down to Japan and staring at extra time until Gabriel Martinelli struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal a 2–1 win and a place in the Round of 16.
Japan arrived with belief — this is the team that snatched a last-gasp draw against the Netherlands in the group stage — and they played like it. The contest was feisty from the opening exchanges, with three bookings inside the first quarter of an hour, and it was Japan who landed the first blow: Koki Sano, booked early, channelled his energy into a 29th-minute finish that stunned the Brazilian support and rewarded a fearless first-half display.
Casemiro Steadies the Ship
Brazil's response was built on experience. Eleven minutes into the second half, Casemiro — himself walking a disciplinary tightrope after an early yellow — arrived to convert from Gabriel's delivery and haul the Seleção level. From there Brazil pressed with increasing urgency, but Japan's block held firm, and as the clock ran deep into the 90s a shootout looked inevitable.
Martinelli's Moment
Then, with virtually the last meaningful attack of the night, Bruno Guimarães picked out Gabriel Martinelli, and the forward finished emphatically in the 95th minute. The Brazilian bench emptied; Japan's players sank to the turf. There was barely time to restart.
It is the kind of escape that championship runs are built on — an ugly, nervy win dragged over the line by individual quality. Brazil advance to a Round of 16 meeting with Norway on July 5, while Japan exit with immense credit: for an hour and a half they went toe to toe with one of the tournament favourites and were seconds from taking them all the way.
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