Brazil vs Japan FIFA World Cup match result: Martinelli’s injury-time winner spares Brazil blushes against brave Japan in thriller | Football news
Super-sub Gabriel Martinelli emerged as Brazil’s saviour, scoring a breathtaking winner deep into stoppage time to script a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over a resilient Japan FIFA World Cup 32 matchup at NRG Stadium on Monday.The five-time champions were staring down the barrel of a disastrous exit when the Samurai Blue suffered a shock in the 29th minute. Capitalizing on a misplaced midfield pass, Kaishu Sano burst upfield and unleashed a brilliant right-footed shot from just outside the halfway circle to stun Alisson Becker.Carlo Ancelotti’s half-time talk completely revitalized the Brazilian players, who broke free and dominated possession. After Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki bravely blocked Bruno Guimarães’ header in the 52nd minute, and Casemiro’s subsequent effort bounced off a defender’s head and into the keeper’s face, the breakthrough finally came. In the 56th minute, Casemiro made amends for earlier misses, leaping higher to meet Gabriel Magalhães’ cross and curling a majestic header over Suzuki.Brazil smelled blood but an outstanding Suzuki, who finished with four saves, denied a rampant Vinícius Júnior just two minutes later, aiming his left-footed strike at the far post.As Japan defended gamely, extra time seemed an absolute certainty, especially when a hobbled Casemiro was forced off with a leg injury in the 91st minute. However, Martinelli had other plans. In the 96th minute, Bruno Guimarães unlocked the defense with a slick pass, and the Arsenal winger calmly slotted home to unleash absolute pandemonium.The dramatic win, which came on the anniversary of Brazil’s first World Cup triumph in 1958, extended their dominant record over Japan to 12 wins in 15 games. It also broke the hearts of a Japanese side backed by a deep cultural connection as Brazil hosts the largest diaspora of 2.7 million Japanese descendants and a rich football lineage pioneered by legend Zico.While Japan’s hunt for a first KO victory continues, Brazil march safely into the pre-quarterfinals in East Rutherford, New Jersey, awaiting Ivory Coast or Norway.
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