Brazil vs Japan today: Martinelli’s late goal sends Seleção through

Gabriel Martinelli struck in the sixth minute of stoppage time, just as Brazil appeared headed for extra time against Japan in Houston. The 2-1 win pushed the five-time champions into the World Cup Round of 16 and ended Japan’s run after a disciplined, stubborn performance. For Canada-based viewers following the expanded knockout stage, it was the kind of match that explains why even a possession-heavy favourite can be dragged into danger by one mistake and one counterattack.

What We Know So Far

Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32 on Monday at NRG Stadium, surviving a first-half scare before taking control after halftime. Kaishu Sano gave Japan the lead in the 29th minute after stealing a misplaced pass at midfield and driving forward before finishing with a right-footed strike from above the half circle.

The goal mattered because Brazil had controlled much of the early ball but had not turned that control into a decisive chance. NBC reported that Brazil had nearly 77% possession after the opening 10 minutes, yet Japan’s compact defending kept the match quiet until Sano’s interception changed the scoreboard. It was also the first goal Brazil had allowed since Morocco scored first against the Seleção in the opening group match.

Brazil’s pressure finally paid off in the 56th minute. Casemiro headed in the equalizer from a Gabriel Magalhães assist after Brazil had already forced Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into important saves. Two minutes later, Vinícius Júnior nearly turned the match on its head with a dribble into the box, but Suzuki got a hand to the shot and pushed it onto the post.

Japan then spent much of the final half-hour defending its box while Brazil searched for the winner. Martinelli, who had entered as a second-half substitute, converted in the sixth minute of stoppage time after a Japan giveaway near the edge of the box. The finish sent Brazil through and left Japan still searching for its first World Cup knockout victory.

Stoppage time

Additional minutes added by the referee after the 90 minutes, accounting for delays during the match.

Round of 32

The first knockout stage in this World Cup format, where the loser is eliminated from the tournament.

Extra time

If a knockout match is tied after regulation, two 15-minute periods are played before penalties if needed.

The Response

The main response came through Brazil’s changes and second-half aggression. NBC reported that Brazil brought on Endrick for Lucas Paquetá while chasing the match, and Martinelli’s later introduction gave the attack the fresh movement it needed in the final minutes.

Before the match, Brazil forward Rayan had admitted he did not know Japan’s best player when asked by a Japanese reporter, but he also warned that Brazil viewed Japan as a strong opponent.

I don’t know who their best player is.

Japan’s response on the pitch was more convincing than any pre-match line. Without Takefusa Kubo, who NBC reported had been ruled out after a meniscus tear in Japan’s opener against the Netherlands, the Samurai Blue still forced Brazil into a tense finish and nearly pushed the match into extra time.

What It Means for You

For viewers in Canada, the practical takeaway is simple: Brazil’s next match is now fixed, but its opponent is not. Brazil will play the winner of Ivory Coast versus Norway on Sunday, July 5, at 4 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The result also keeps one of the tournament’s biggest teams alive, which matters to Canadian audiences tracking broadcast windows, office pools, and the wider knockout bracket. NBC listed the day’s matches on Telemundo and Peacock, with Germany versus Paraguay and the Netherlands versus Morocco still part of the June 29 schedule.

There is also a sharper sporting point. Japan beat Brazil in a friendly in Tokyo last October after Brazil surrendered a two-goal halftime lead, but this time Brazil reversed the pressure late. That difference is the mark of a side that can look vulnerable and still survive because its bench can change a knockout match.

Coming Up

Brazil’s Round of 16 match is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, at 4 p.m. ET in East Rutherford. The opponent will be decided when Ivory Coast and Norway meet in their Round of 32 match near Dallas.

Casemiro’s condition will also draw attention after CBC reported he left in the first minute of second-half stoppage time with what appeared to be a leg injury. No further detail on the injury was provided in the available source material.

At a Glance

• Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32 in Houston.
• Kaishu Sano scored for Japan in the 29th minute after a midfield steal.
• Casemiro equalized for Brazil with a 56th-minute header.
• Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
• Brazil will face Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday, July 5.
• Japan’s loss ended a 10-game unbeaten streak.