TEXAS: Carlo Ancelotti’s changes worked as Substitute Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time goal propelled Brazil into the last 16 as they overcame a spirited Japan by 2-1 at Houston Stadium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.
Kaishu Sano took an early lead for Japan, which was equalized in the second-half by Casemiro. The game was heading towards a stalemate before Gabriel Martinelli’s last-gap goal sealed the deal for Brazil.
Midfielder Sano took the lead for the Samurai Blues in the 29th minute as the 25-year-old capitalized on a poor pass from Danilo. He made a strong run from 20 yards, beating Casemiro and eventually finishing with an excellent low drive past Alisson Becker into the bottom corner.
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The first half belonged to Blues despite Canarinha having more possession and more shots on goal. Their game plan of having five at the back worked perfectly alongside goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who did an excellent job to save a couple of goals.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men started the second half aggressively and responded strongly. They kept attacking the opposition’s goal post. This eventually reaped a high reward for them in the 56th minute, as Manchester United defender Casemiro finished with a textbook header off Gabriel Magalhães’ cross from the far right post.
With the game evenly poised, Japan and Brazil both made several changes in the 66th minute before the hydration break. Gabriel Martinelli replaced Matheus Cunha, whereas wing-backs Keito Nakamura and Ritsu Doan replaced Yukinari Sugawara and Junnosuke Suzuki.
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The substitution of Martnellii proved crucial as Japan’s overly defensive strategy proved costly. Canarinha kept testing Japan with a flurry of attacks, which were saved by Suzuki. But it was Arsenal winger Martinelli’s who converted a cross from Bruno Guimarães in the 95th minute to break Japanese hearts.
Brazil will now play either Ivory Coast or Norway in the pre-quarterfinals.
