Brazil’s forward #22 Gabriel Martinelli (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during 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 Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said he knew his “suffering” side would eventually score and praised their patience in reaching the World Cup last 16 with a last-gasp 2-1 win over Japan on Monday.
Substitute Gabriel Martinelli pounced in the 95th minute in Houston for the five-time champions and sent dark horses Japan home.
It was the latest winning goal in normal time of the knockout stages of the World Cup on record (since 1966).
Japan led 1-0 at the break after some sloppy Brazil play but the South Americans dominated the second half with goals from veteran Casemiro and Arsenal winger Martinelli at the death.
