Brazil Rallies Past Japan 2-1 on Martinelli's 96th-Minute Winner
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 29
Brazil Rallies Past Japan 2-1 on Martinelli's 96th-Minute Winner
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 29
Summary
Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 96th minute after Casemiro's equalizer, lifting Brazil from 1-0 down to a 2-1 win over Japan and into the World Cup round of 16.
Kaishu Sano's 29th-minute goal had put Brazil on course for their earliest World Cup exit since 1966 and what would have been their first competitive loss to Asian opposition.
Casemiro said Brazil stayed calm and kept pressing against Japan's low block, with the five-time champions dominating possession and finding more openings in the second half.
Carlo Ancelotti said Casemiro and Lucas Paqueta both picked up injuries in the demanding match and will be assessed within 24 hours before the July 5 last-16 tie in New Jersey.
Brazil will next face Norway or Ivory Coast, while Martinelli called his fourth goal in 25 Brazil appearances an emotional strike that sent his country through.