Brazil 2-1 Japan: Martinelli wins it in stoppage time

Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Monday, with Gabriel Martinelli striking in the 90’+5′ minute to settle a tense contest after Casemiro’s 56′ equaliser had brought Brazil back from behind at NRG Stadium in Houston.

For long stretches, this felt like one of those knockout fixtures that fit the wider story of this World Cup: a traditional power pushed deep by an organised, fearless opponent before quality finally told. Japan led through Kaishu Sano in the 29th minute and took that advantage into half-time, forcing Brazil to chase the match after an opening period in which possession did not fully translate into incision.

Japan’s opener came from one of their few clear attacking moments, and it gave the underdogs a platform they protected with discipline. Sano, already booked in the 12th minute, timed his contribution well to put Japan 1-0 ahead at 29′. From there, Japan narrowed the spaces, stayed compact without the ball, and asked Brazil to solve a crowded central area.

Brazil, though, steadily increased the pressure. They finished with 68.6 percent possession, 19 total shots, 7 efforts on target and 6 corners, numbers that reflected how much of the second half was played in Japan’s half. The equaliser arrived in the 56th minute when Casemiro rose to score with a header, a goal that shifted both the momentum and the emotional balance of the fixture. After being cautioned in the 14th minute, the veteran midfielder responded with exactly the kind of authority Brazil needed.

From that point, Brazil looked the more likely side to find a winner, but Japan remained dangerous in the way only a well-drilled knockout side can be. They conceded territory, committed 13 fouls to disrupt rhythm when necessary, and kept Brazil waiting well into stoppage time. Yet the pressure never truly eased, and with the clock deep into added time, Martinelli delivered the decisive touch in the 90’+5′ minute to send Brazil through.

The late winner underlined the value of Brazil’s depth. With Japan tiring under repeated waves of possession and deliveries into advanced areas, Martinelli’s fresh legs and direct running gave the home side in this fixture an extra edge. It was a cruel ending for Japan, who defended with conviction and made Brazil work for every opening, but knockout football often turns on one late sequence, one loose moment, or one forward willing to attack the decisive space.

Key performers

Casemiro was central to Brazil’s response, not only for his 56′ equaliser but for the calm and structure he brought in midfield once the match became stretched. Martinelli will take the headlines thanks to his 90’+5′ winner, while Brazil’s overall control was reflected in their 17 shot assists and sustained territorial dominance. For Japan, Sano’s 29′ goal gave his side belief and nearly set up a famous result.

NerdSports Stat: Brazil recorded 68.6% possession and 19 shots to Japan’s 5, and still needed a 90’+5′ winner—showing just how efficient Japan were at turning limited territory into a genuine upset threat.

This result sends Brazil into the next round and keeps them firmly in the conversation as one of the heavyweight contenders in a World Cup already full of round-of-32 tension. Japan exit with plenty of credit after pushing one of the tournament favourites to the edge. Brazil now await their quarter-final path with momentum, while Japan can look back on a disciplined display that came within moments of forcing extra time.

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