Martinelli Guns Down Japan for Brazil to Reach Last 16

Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner, securing Brazil's 2-1 victory over Japan and a place in the World Cup last 16. The Selecao will face Norway or Ivory Coast in their next match.

Brazil came from behind after Japan's Kaishu Sano capitalized on a defensive error to give his side the lead in the first half. Brazil struggled initially but emerged a different team after halftime. Casemiro equalized with a header from a Gabriel cross ten minutes into the second half. Vinicius Jr. nearly gave Brazil the lead shortly after, but his shot hit the post.

“

It was a heartbreaking end for Japan, who had more than matched Brazil in the first half and battled valiantly in the second, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side kept pushing and got their reward in final moments.

The match seemed destined for penalties until Ao Tanaka lost possession near his own box. Martinelli seized the opportunity, scoring the decisive goal off the post to break Japanese hearts. The defeat was a bitter end for Japan, who had matched Brazil for much of the game.

In another Round of 32 fixture, Germany, the four-time World Cup winners, were surprisingly knocked out. They lost 4-3 to Paraguay in a thrilling penalty shootout after their match ended 1-1 after extra time. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved spot-kicks from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade to secure Paraguay's victory.

“

With just seconds left, Brazil won possession back on the edge of the Japan box and Bruno Guimaraes slipped the ball into Martinelli, who took a touch before slotting in off the post.