World Cup 2026: Martinelli’s Late Strike Against Japan Sends Brazil Into Round Of 16

Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner for Brazil to beat Japan 2-1 in the round of 32 at the World Cup on Monday.

Heading into the match, Brazil had been eliminated in four of their previous six FIFA World Cup knockout matches – more than in their preceding 17 combined, when they were knocked out only three times.

The South Americans had also not been eliminated in the first knockout round of a World Cup since a 1-0 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 at the 1990 World Cup.

On their part, Japan entered the match full of confidence after finishing second in Group F to qualify for the Round of 32. They opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, followed that with an impressive 4-0 victory over Tunisia, before securing qualification with a 1-1 draw against Sweden.

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In the clash with Brazil, Japan opened the scoring in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a pass in midfield, drove towards goal and hit a low shot past Ederson.

Brazil drew level in the 56th minute when Casemiro rose highest to head home Gabriel Magalhães’ inviting cross into the far corner.

Then in the sixth minute of added time, substitute Martinelli latched onto an opening inside the penalty area and calmly guided his finish into the bottom corner to complete Brazil’s remarkable comeback.

James Agberebi

James is a sport content creator and also does analysis on sports. Also, James has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men and women national teams. Facebook : James Agberebi