A 96th-minute Martinelli strike rescues the five-time champions from the brink of a World Cup exit
June 30, 2026
Syed Mahmud Onindo
bdnews24.com
Brazil’s quest for a sixth World Cup star looked under severe threat until a 96th-minute moment of sheer brilliance rewrote the script.
In a blistering Round of 32 clash at the Houston Stadium on either side on Monday midnight, the 2026 World Cup witnessed a resilient, lightning-fast Japan threatened to stage a famous upset, only for five-time champions Brazil to conjure up an extraordinary, stoppage-time resurrection.
Brazil advances to the World Cup round of 16 with Martinelli's late goal, stunning Japan 2-1 in a thrilling match.
LOS ANGELES: Brazil advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup on Monday with a thrilling last-gasp 2-1 victory over Japan as the…
Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner as Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil fought back from a goal down to…
Brazil secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Japan, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a late winner to send them into the World Cup…
After struggling to find a way past a stubborn and impactful Japanese side in the first half, Brazil fought back to take the…
Brazil edge Japan 2-1 with Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner in Houston to book their place in the World Cup last 16.
World Cup 2026: Late Martinelli drama sneaks Brazil past stubborn Japan into Last 16
