Brazil reached the World Cup last 16 with a 2-1 comeback win over Japan, sealed by Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time strike. Kaishu Sano had put Japan in front, but Casemiro’s header and Martinelli’s 95th-minute finish turned the tie at Houston Stadium in Brazil’s favour.

Carlo Ancelotti praised Brazil’s composure under pressure, stressing how the team trusted the plan despite trailing. Brazil will now meet either Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday, while Japan’s wait for a first World Cup knockout victory continues after a fifth failed attempt.

Japan struck first after 29 minutes, when Sano finished a rare clear opening. Hajime Moriyasu’s side stayed organised and dangerous on the counter. However, they produced chances worth only 0.23 expected goals, showing Brazil restricted Japan’s attack despite the early setback.

Brazil controlled the second half with sustained pressure. Casemiro levelled with a firm header, then Vinicius Junior hit the woodwork as Japan retreated deeper. Substitute Martinelli eventually found the decisive goal in added time, punishing Japan for failing to extend their narrow advantage.

Ancelotti emphasised Brazil’s mental strength and depth when assessing the performance. “We didn’t lose our patience, we had a lot of resources on the pitch and on the bench,” Ancelotti said. “Japan isn’t an easy opponent, they are very organised and intense.” The coach highlighted how control improved after the interval.

Martinelli replaced Matheus Cunha in the 66th minute, adding fresh movement across the front line. Neymar stayed on the bench and did not feature, after a brief appearance against Scotland in the group stage. Ancelotti later detailed how Neymar’s role had been planned around potential extra time.

“I was saving Neymar for extra time,” Ancelotti added. “He was going to enter the pitch on minute 105 if we hadn’t scored the second goal. I didn’t want to change the structure because the team was playing well.” Brazil’s late winner meant that adjustment was no longer needed.

Brazil vs Japan World Cup knockout: record late winner and match numbers

Martinelli’s goal, timed at 95:00, is the latest winning strike in normal time of a World Cup knockout match on record, dating back to 1966. Opta data confirmed the historic timing of the forward’s decisive effort.