Brazil into last 16 as Martinelli strikes in stoppage time to break Japan hearts
Brazil defeated Japan in a dramatic stoppage-time victory during the World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal after Brazil struggled for much of the match.
Why it matters
This match marks a significant moment in the tournament, as Brazil continues its pursuit of a sixth World Cup title.
Gabriel Martinelli watches as his shot goes past Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to give Brazil the lead in stoppage time. Photograph: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images Gabriel Martinelli watches as his shot goes past Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to give Brazil the lead in stoppage time. Photograph: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images World Cup 2026 Brazil into last 16 as Martinelli strikes in stoppage time to break Japan hearts Jonathan Wilson at Houston Stadium Mon 29 Jun 2026 15.12 EDT Last modified on Mon 29 Jun 2026 21.30 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google Not for the first time in this tournament, there were long periods when Brazil did not impress. And not for the first time in this tournament, they got away with it. It may be inexplicable but the Carlo Ancelotti method that worked at Real Madrid is working again: stay in games and eventually either opponents will make a mistake or brilliant players will do something brilliant.
The report is a standard sports match recap, focusing on tactical analysis and game events.
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