Martinelli Seals Brazil Comeback 2-1 Against Japan in Stoppage Time

Brazil Dig Deep After Sano Stuns the Seleção

Brazil entered the match as the stronger side on paper, but Japan’s game plan paid off early. Kaishu Sano capitalised on a sloppy Brazil passage of play to fire Japan ahead on 29 minutes, and Hajime Moriyasu’s disciplined side held that lead into half-time, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with a significant problem to solve.

Brazil were far more purposeful after the interval. Casemiro, who had struggled in the first half, atoned with a fine header in the 56th minute to draw the sides level. Japan continued to defend deep, and the match looked destined for extra time as the clock ran down.

Ancelotti turned to the bench, introducing Martinelli on 66 minutes, and the substitute proved decisive. Bruno Guimarães played him in, and Martinelli curled a composed finish past the Japan goalkeeper in the 90+5 to send Brazil through.

Sano’s Sucker Punch, Then Casemiro’s Response

Sano’s 29th-minute opener exploited a loose Brazil pass and left Casemiro caught out of position, giving Japan a lead they almost protected to the final whistle.

Casemiro provided the answer on 56 minutes, heading in at the back post to level the tie. With extra time looming, substitute Martinelli received a pass from Guimarães and curled in the winner in the 90+5 to complete Brazil’s fightback.

Casemiro Drags Brazil Back Into the Match

Casemiro was named the top-rated player on the pitch, and the reason was less his first half, which was poor, and more his willingness to lead the recovery. His 56th-minute header drew Brazil level at a moment when Japan’s plan looked viable, and his composure in the second period helped stabilise a midfield that had been overrun before the break.

After the match, Casemiro said Brazil avoided a major World Cup shock by keeping calm, a quality that was absent for much of the first half but critical when it mattered.

Ancelotti’s Relief and What Comes Next

Brazil advance, but the performance will be scrutinised. Ancelotti had called for ‘mind, heart and clarity’ before kick-off, and the first half delivered none of those three. The five yellow cards, distributed across both squads, including one each to Sano and Casemiro as early as the 12th and 14th minutes, left several key players one booking away from suspension heading into the Round of 16.

Brazil face the winner of Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway on 5 July at New York New Jersey Stadium. Japan, who were seeking their country’s first World Cup knockout-stage win, exit at the Round of 32 for the second consecutive tournament. Moriyasu’s group-stage record of four clean tournaments without a knockout win will now face fresh review.