Brazil 2-1 Japan
Brazil goals: Carlos Casemiro (56), Gabriel Martinelli (90+5) Japan goals: Kaishū Sano (29)
HOUSTON, TX — 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 5 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 Kaishū 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 Carlos Casemiro doing the honours off inch-prefect service from Gabriel Magalháes.
If not for the fingertips of Zion Suzuki, Vinícius Júnior 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.
Key stat
This was Gabriel Martinelli’s fifth international goal and the third which he has scored in the United States.
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Carlos Casemiro (Brazil)
What they said…
“We didn’t lose our patience, we had a lot of resources on the pitch and on the bench. Japan isn’t an easy opponent, it’s very organized and intense. I was saving Neymar for the extra time. He was going to enter the pitch on minute 105 if we hadn’t scored the second goal. I didn’t want to change the structure because the team was playing well.” Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil coach
“The team’s greatest strength was our mindset. We kept up the pressure on our attacking field. In a World Cup, it is crucial to value the players coming off the bench. Endrick came on and played very well today, Martinelli is another great player, and Rayan has been replacing Raphinha really well. That’s the spirit, and this is the squad to win the World Cup.” Carlos Casemiro, Brazil player
“I can’t find the words to describe the joy in my heart. Seeing all those fans on their feet, my parents, my friends… I can’t explain it. After hitting the woodwork, I knew I’d get another chance. I honestly don’t have the words. I’m just happy I was able to help the team, whether I’m playing on the left or through the middle. The most important thing is helping the team.” Gabriel Martinelli, Brazil forward
Information and Photos Courtesy of FIFA
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