Gabriel Martinelli’s 96th-Minute Winner Sends Selecao Into FIFA World Cup Round of 16

Brazil saved their hopes of a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title alive Monday, rallying from a objective right down to defeat Japan 2-1 at Houston Stadium within the Round of 32.

The five-time world champions wanted nearly each accessible minute, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring within the 96th minute to spare Brazil from additional time and ebook a spot within the Round of 16.

How It Happened

Japan surprised Brazil within the twenty ninth minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a misplaced cross from Danilo, drove ahead into area and unleashed a right-footed strike from outdoors the penalty space that beat the goalkeeper to present the Samurai Blue a shock lead.

Brazil struggled to create clear possibilities earlier than halftime however emerged with far higher urgency after the break. Casemiro leveled the match within the 56th minute, rising on the again put up to energy residence a header after Brazil sustained stress inside Japan’s penalty space.

As the match wore on, Brazil repeatedly threatened to discover a winner. Vinicius Junior almost produced the decisive second, solely to see his effort brilliantly tipped onto the put up by Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

With additional time looming, Bruno Guimaraes slipped a cross into the trail of substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who curled a composed end into the nook within the sixth minute of stoppage time to finish Brazil’s comeback.

Match Statistics

• Final rating: Brazil 2–1 Japan
• Scorers: Kaishu Sano 29′ (Japan) · Casemiro 56′ (Brazil) · Gabriel Martinelli 90+6′ (Brazil)
• Venue: Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas
• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
• xG: Brazil 1.72 – Japan 0.23

What’s Next

Brazil advances to the Round of 16, the place the Selecao will proceed their pursuit of a sixth FIFA World Cup title. Japan’s match ends after pushing one of many favorites to the brink of additional time.