Gabriel Martinelli scores the winner in injury time at the Houston Stadium. Getty Images via AFP – LARS BARON
Gabriel Martinelli scored in injury time as Brazil fought back from a goal down to defeat Japan 2-1 in a thrilling round-of-32 tie on Monday and continue their quest for a sixth World Cup title.
Martinelli’s winning goal came in the sixth minute of injury time.
Casemiro earlier equalized on a header in the 56th minute off an assist from Gabriel Magalhães after just missing another chance two minutes earlier. The shot sailed just out of reach of the outstretched hand of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and into the net.
Kaishu Sano stole a misplaced pass at midfield and took it down the field before a right-footed shot from above the half circle to put Japan ahead in the 29th minute.
Vinícius Júnior, who has scored four goals in this year’s tournament, had a chance to put Brazil on top in the 58th minute but his shot from the left box was deflected by Suzuki and went off the far post.
Casemiro left in the first minute of second-half stoppage time with what appeared to be a leg injury.
Super sub Martinelli the hero
Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored deep in injury time to help Brazil overcome a stubborn Japan and roll into the World Cup last 16.
The Arsenal winger struck in the 96th minute, just as the tie seemed headed to extra time, breaking Japanese hearts in the most dramatic fashion.
The five-time champions will face either the Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday.
Full time! Brazil 2-1 Japan!
Japan pour forward… but can’t get another chance at goal.
The five-time champions have survived an absolute thriller.
Gooaaal! Brazil 2-1 Japan!
Martinelli breaks Japanese hearts with late, late goal!
Suzuki gets a hand on the forward’s shot but it’s not enough.
Fabinho on for Casemiro
Casemiro’s game is over.
Injury time
We’ll have six more minutes.
Japan’s defence holding, just about
Vinicius prods and prods, looking for a gap in the defence, but there’s none. He eventually gets a shot away but it’s deflected.
Then Japan bring danger to the Brazil area with a rare counter, which is cleared, but at the cost of an injury to Casemiro.
Rayan whips in a dangerous ball
Rayan fires a vicious free-kick into the Japan box but a defender does well to head the ball into corner.
The ball is then passed around on the edge of the area, until Guimaraes attempts a chip that is long.
Martinelli wide
The sub attempts to lob the Japan defence with a speculative shot from the edge of the box but it’s wide of Suzuki’s goal.
Rayan fluffs a chance
Rayan’s header from close range is deflected for a corner, but the 19-year-old could have hit it a lot better.
Casemiro’s redemption. Photo: Pedro Nunes, Reuters
Hydration break (this one deserved)
Not so many boos this time from the crowd, who probably feel the players have earned their drinks.
Martinelli on, Japan make two changes
Martinelli comes on for Cunha, who’s had a quiet match.
Keito Nakamura and Ritsu Doan, both of whom must’ve burst a lung from all that running, give way Yukinari Sugawara and Junnosuke Suzuki for the Samurai Blue.
A cracking match
It’s box-to-box, breathless stuff now, with both teams going for it.
Brazil are on top but Japan still looking very dangerous on the counter.
Brazil hit the post!
My word, now Brazil should be ahead!
Vinicius dances his way into the box and fires at goal but the keeper does jut enough to deflect the ball onto the post.
A sensational save from Suzuki, who rightly celebrates like he’s scored.
