Houston: Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal late in injury time to give five-time champion Brazil a 2-1 win over Japan in the round of 32 at the World Cup.Martinelli, who had come on as a second-half substitute, scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time as the match appeared to be headed to extra time.Brazil will next face either the Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey in the round of 16.Casemiro had earlier equalised on a header in the 56th minute off an assist from Gabriel Magalhaes after just missing another chance two minutes earlier. The shot sailed just out of reach of the outstretched hand of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and into the net.Kaishu Sano stole a misplaced pass at midfield and took it down the field before a right-footed shot from above the half circle put Japan ahead in the 29th minute.
FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE updates: Brazil score late to beat Japan, Germany take on Paraguay as the Netherlands prepare for Morocco
The knock-out stages of the 2026 World Cup get into full swing with three round of 32 clashes including the Netherlands versus Morocco and Germany against Paraguay.










