The Arsenal winger struck in the 95th minute to settle a contest that had threatened to produce one of the tournament’s biggest shocks. Brazil will now face either Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday.
Japan looked the more composed side for long periods, with midfielder Kaishu Sano punishing a sloppy Danilo pass to round Alisson and open the scoring just before the half-hour mark, his first international goal. The Mainz midfielder picked the ball up in the centre circle, glided past a booked Casemiro and finished confidently, silencing a stadium packed with yellow-shirted Brazil supporters.
Kaishū Sano 🇯🇵 🔥
He goes straight through the heart of Brazil’s defence 🤯
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Brazil responded after the break, Casemiro heading home unmarked from a Gabriel cross to level matters. From there, Carlo Ancelotti’s side dominated possession and territory, with Vinicius Junior repeatedly testing Japan’s resolve, including an effort that came back off the post via goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Zion Suzuki with a miraculous save 🤚⛔
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Japan, who had stunned Brazil with a 3-2 friendly win as recently as October, defended heroically, with Takehiro Tomiyasu twice clearing off his own line to keep the score level. But Brazil’s relentless pressure eventually told, with Martinelli arriving late to apply the decisive touch and spare his side an embarrassing exit.
Gabriel Martinelli steps up in stoppage time 🇧🇷⚡#SSFootball | #DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/7h2Z0rTiKE
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The result extends Brazil’s pursuit of a sixth World Cup title, last achieved in 2002, while Japan’s wait for a first-ever knockout-stage win at the tournament continues despite an admirable display against one of the competition’s most storied nations.
– AFP
Photo: REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
