Brazil’s defender #16 Douglas Santos (standing 3rdR) celebrates with Brazil’s defender #04 Marquinhos (standing 2ndR) at the end of the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Brazil and Japan at the Houston Stadium in Houston on June 29, 2026. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP)
Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored deep in injury time as Brazil beat a stubborn Japan 2-1 on Monday to roll into the World Cup last 16.
Arsenal winger Martinelli struck in the 95th minute in Houston to break Japanese hearts in the most dramatic fashion.
The five-time champions will face either the Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday after edging a captivating knockout encounter.
Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano scored a classy solo goal after 29 minutes following a Brazil mistake to stun the huge numbers of fans decked out in yellow.
