Martinelli’s last-gasp heroics fire Brazil into Round of 16 after dramatic comeback

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Brazil produced a stunning late comeback to book their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, defeating resilient Japan 2-1 with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner after Carlo Ancelotti’s side battled back from a goal down.

The five-time world champions looked destined for a frustrating exit after Kaishu Sano fired Japan into a deserved 29th-minute lead with a superb strike from the edge of the penalty area.

The Samurai Blue defended resolutely and repeatedly frustrated Brazil’s star-studded attack, with goalkeeper Zion Suzuki producing a string of impressive saves to preserve his side’s advantage.

Brazil emerged from the break with renewed urgency and eventually found the breakthrough in the 56th minute when captain Casemiro powered home a close-range header after Gabriel’s inviting delivery caused confusion in the Japanese defence. The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in Brazil’s favour as the South Americans relentlessly searched for the winner.

Ancelotti introduced Gabriel Martinelli midway through the second half, a decision that proved decisive. The Arsenal forward delivered when it mattered most, latching onto Bruno Guimaraes’ perfectly weighted pass deep into added time before calmly slotting his shot off the inside of the post beyond the helpless Suzuki to complete a remarkable turnaround.

The thrilling contest also came at a cost for Brazil, with Lucas Paqueta and Casemiro forced off through injury, while Japan battled until the final whistle in a spirited display that nearly produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

Martinelli’s dramatic winner sealed a 2-1 victory and ensured Brazil advanced to the Round of 16, keeping alive their quest for a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title after surviving a stern test from a fearless Japanese side.