TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Brazilian national team secured their place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in the round of 32 at Houston Stadium, United States, early Tuesday morning WIB (Western Indonesian Time).
After falling behind early to a goal from Kaishu Sano, the Selecao turned the game around through goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli.
With this result, Brazil advanced to the round of 16 and will face the winner of the match between Ivory Coast and Norway. Meanwhile, Japan's progress was halted in the round of 32.
Japan surprised Brazil by taking the lead in the 29th minute through a fine individual effort from Sano. The Japanese midfielder dribbled from near the halfway line, broke through the Brazilian defense, and unleashed a low shot from outside the penalty area that Alisson Becker couldn't reach.
This goal gave Japan a 1-0 lead at halftime, despite being under pressure from Brazil for the first 45 minutes.
Entering the second half, coach Carlo Ancelotti immediately made changes, bringing on Endrick for Lucas Paqueta to bolster his attack.
Brazil nearly equalized in the 51st minute through a Danilo header, but Zion Suzuki was alert enough to block the ball. A minute later, Bruno Guimaraes' header was also blocked by Takehiro Tomiyasu in front of goal.
Brazil's pressure finally paid off in the 54th minute. Casemiro successfully headed Gabriel Magalhaes' cross to the far post to make it 1-1.
The Selecao continued to press, looking to turn the game around. Vinicius Junior nearly put Brazil ahead two minutes later, but his shot, after evading several Japanese defenders, hit the post after being parried by Suzuki.
The long-awaited winner finally arrived in injury time, in the 95th minute. Gabriel Martinelli, who came on as a substitute, was free to receive Bruno Guimaraes' pass inside the penalty area before beating Zion Suzuki from close range.
This goal secured Brazil's 2-1 victory, ending Japan's resistance at the 2026 World Cup.
Starting Lineups:
Brazil: Alisson Becker; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior.
Japan: Zion Suzuki; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito; Ritsu Doan, Kaishu Sano, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito; Ayase Ueda, Daizen Maeda.
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Read: FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Schedule: Who's Playing, When and Where?
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