Brazil advanced to the World Cup round of 16 on Monday with a thrilling, last-gasp 2-1 victory over Japan. Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli became the hero for Brazil at the NRG Stadium. Specifically, he scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to settle the enthralling contest.
Initially, Japan threatened to pull off an all-time great World Cup upset. Midfielder Kaishu Sano fired them into the lead with a superb 29th-minute goal on the counter-attack. Consequently, Brazil looked stunned by the Japanese opener for the remainder of the first half. Therefore, the Asian giants comfortably protected their lead until the half-time whistle.
However, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti rolled the dice during the break. He brought on striker Endrick for midfielder Lucas Paqueta. As a result, the South Americans immediately looked more threatening on the pitch. They equalized on 56 minutes when Casemiro nodded the ball in at the far post. Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes provided the opportunity with a superb curling cross from the left.
Japan appeared to have done enough to force extra time. Nevertheless, they paid a heavy price after Ao Tanaka coughed up possession on the edge of the area in injury time. The Brazilians quickly played the ball to Martinelli, who took a touch before burying the winner.
Meanwhile, this Houston classic kicked off a busy day of three knockout games. Germany faced Paraguay near Boston, while Morocco played the Netherlands in Monterrey. Furthermore, the winner of the Dutch-Moroccan duel will face co-hosts Canada on Sunday. Canada previously reached the last 16 by defeating South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles.
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