Martinelli’s Late Winner Gives Brazil Comeback Win
(image via Omar Duran)
Houston Stadium welcomed Brazil and Japan in the Round of 32 match at this 2026 FIFA World Cup on monday afternoon. The atmosphere was electric as both teams' fanbases were in great voice. Brazil came in as favorites but this Japanese team did beat them in their last meeting, late in 2025.
It was Japan who opened the scoring just before the half hour mark of the match. Brazilian fullback Danilo gave the ball away and Kaishu Sano took off on the counter. His long run took him to the top of the box where he fired a low shot to the bottom corner past Alisson to give the Japanese a 1-0 lead.
Brazil brought Endrick on at half time as they searched for an equalizer. The South Amercian side were on the front foot from the start of the second half. Bruno Guimaares forced a good save from Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki off a header in the 52nd minute.
Moments later, Japan somehow kept the ball out of their net. A cross from deep was headed back across goal and Casemiro’s diving header looked goal bound. The ball came off Takehiro Tomiyasu and Suzuki and was cleared out.
Brazil’s consistency paid off and they got their equalizer in the 56th minute. Center back Gabriel swung a cross into the box and Casemiro made no mistake this time, powering in a header from close range at the back post to make the score 1-1.
Just two minutes later, Vini Jr. nearly scored a goal of the tournament contender. He megged Tomiyasu and went on a mazy run before getting a shot away. Suzuki did just enough, getting his hand on the ball and pushing it off the post.
Brazil was in complete control in the second half and they got a deserved winner in stoppage time. Bruno Guimaraes slipped a perfect ball into the box for substitute Gabriel Martinelli. The Arsenal attacker slid his shot off the hand of Suzuki and into the side netting to put Brazil ahead 2-1.
Brazil’s dramatic win sees them advance to the Round of 16. They will travel to New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday to take on the winner of Ivory Coast vs Norway.
