World Cup 2026: Casmero score, Brazil beat Japan with stoppage-time Martinelli goal to reach last 16.
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Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic 96th-minute winner as Brazil came from behind to defeat Japan and secure a place in the World Cup last 16.
With only seconds remaining, Brazil won the ball back near Japan’s box, and Bruno Guimaraes played it to Martinelli. After taking a touch, Martinelli calmly finished with a shot that went in off the post.
It was a painful ending for Japan, who matched Brazil well in the first half and fought hard after the break. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side kept attacking and finally got their reward in the closing moments.
Japan controlled much of the first half and took the lead when Kaishu Sano capitalized on Danilo’s loose pass, powered past Casemiro, and fired a low shot into the corner.
Brazil struggled to create a response before halftime but improved after the restart. Ten minutes into the second half, Casemiro rose to head in Gabriel’s back-post cross and level the score.
The goal gave Brazil momentum, and they nearly took the lead moments later. Vinicius Jr received the ball inside Japan’s half, nutmegged a defender, drove into the box, beat another defender, and fired toward the far corner, but goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made a great save to push the shot onto the post.
Japan recovered from that pressure and stayed organized, while Brazil continued to attack but struggled to create clear chances.
However, in the final moments, Ao Tanaka lost possession near his own corner, and Brazil punished the mistake. Martinelli finished the move to complete the comeback and send Brazil through.
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