Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored deep into injury time as Brazil edged past a resilient Japan 2-1 in Houston on Monday, securing their place in the World Cup last 16. The Arsenal winger struck in the 95th minute to break Japanese hearts in dramatic fashion, sending the five-time champions into a quarterfinal meeting with either the Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday.
Japan Takes Surprise Lead
Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano scored a classy solo goal in the 29th minute after a Brazil mistake to stun the massive crowd of 68,777 fans, many decked out in yellow. The goal came from a sloppy pass by Brazil defender Danilo, allowing Sano to pick up the ball in the center circle and easily evade the 34-year-old Casemiro, who was already on a booking. Sano, who plays for Mainz in Germany, drove upfield before sweeping the ball past goalkeeper Alisson for his first international goal.
History was against Japan, as they had never won a knockout game at the World Cup, while Brazil are record five-time champions. However, this Brazil side, even under Carlo Ancelotti, is not considered vintage, and Japan had been touted as dark horses.
Brazil Fights Back
Brazil dominated the early stages, with the constant rhythm of drums from their fans providing a backdrop. Images of the injured Neymar on the bench appeared on the big screens, raising the noise level. Defensive midfielder Sano was booked for a crunching tackle on Vinicius Junior, and Brazilian attacker Matheus Cunha forced goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to turn the ball wide.
Japan, who had beaten Brazil 3-2 in a home friendly in October for their first victory over the South Americans, then enjoyed a spell in the ascendancy. Brazil looked unconvincing at the back and ineffective in attack, prompting Ancelotti to make a change at halftime. An emotional Lucas Paqueta limped off in distress, replaced by 19-year-old striker Endrick.
Brazil Dominates Second Half
Brazil ramped up the pressure early in the second half, and Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu twice kept the ball off the line, though he was unaware of his interventions. Brazil soon equalized in the 56th minute when Arsenal defender Gabriel sent in an inviting cross for midfielder Casemiro to head in unmarked at the back post.
The danger man Vinicius, well stifled until then, turned the Japan defense inside out and stabbed the ball towards Suzuki, who directed it onto the post. Brazil pushed for a late winner, with Vinicius increasingly involved after scoring four times in the group stage.
Martinelli's Dramatic Winner
Then came Martinelli's late intervention in the 95th minute, settling the captivating knockout encounter and sending the Brazil fans wild. The victory sets up a quarterfinal clash against either the Ivory Coast or Norway, as Brazil continue their quest for a first World Cup title since 2002.
