Brazil Escape Japan Scare With Injury-Time Winner

Brazil needed deep stoppage time to avoid a stunning World Cup exit, with Gabriel Martinelli striking a dramatic winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Japan on Monday and book the South Americans’ place in the last 16.

The decisive moment came after Japan surrendered possession on the edge of their own penalty area in injury time.

Martinelli collected the ball, took a touch and fired home to complete Brazil’s comeback at the NRG Stadium in Houston.

Japan had looked on course for one of the tournament’s biggest shocks after Kaishu Sano finished off a swift counter-attack in the 29th minute to give the Asian side the lead.

Brazil struggled to respond before the break as Japan comfortably protected their advantage.

Brazil emerged with greater attacking intent after the interval following Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to replace midfielder Lucas Paqueta with striker Endrick at half-time.

The change paid off 11 minutes into the second half when Casemiro headed in Gabriel Magalhaes’ curling cross to restore parity before Martinelli’s late heroics sealed the victory.

Brazil will now meet either Ivory Coast or Norway in the last 16.

Elsewhere on Monday, Germany were scheduled to face Paraguay near Boston, while Morocco were due to take on the Netherlands in Monterrey, Mexico.

Germany’s clash marked the country’s first World Cup knockout match since defeating Argentina in the 2014 final.

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