Brazil beat Japan 2-1 to reach World Cup last 16
Brazil beat Japan 2-1 to reach World Cup last 16
Brazil beat Japan 2-1 to reach World Cup last 16
Brazil has advanced to the World Cup last 16 after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston. The five-time champions will face either the Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday.
Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano scored a stunning solo goal after 29 minutes, following a Brazil mistake, to stun the huge numbers of fans decked out in yellow. However, Brazil hit back 11 minutes after half-time with a header from veteran Casemiro, and substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner deep in injury time.
According to Ange Postecoglou, Carlo Ancelotti deserved credit for trusting his players to get the job done. Postecoglou said: Potentially a little bit [Japan brought it on themselves]. But credit to Brazil. Great teams do find a way.
Roy Keane also praised Brazil's spirit, saying: The attacking players and midfielders, we’ve been critical. But I’ll tell you what, their spirit is as good as any of the previous teams.
The match was a captivating knockout encounter, with Brazil dominating possession early on. Matheus Cunha forced a one-handed save from Zion Suzuki in the 14th minute, but it was Japan who broke the deadlock. Sano seized possession in midfield and embarked on a dazzling run, skipping past Casemiro and surging between two more Brazilian defenders before calmly guiding his finish beyond Alisson.
Brazil laid siege after the goal, but Japan defended deep, throwing bodies in the way of every shot and cross. The introduction of Endrick after the break injected pace and directness into the Brazilian attack, and Casemiro finally restored parity in the 56th minute with a powerful header.
The equaliser did little to alter the pattern, with Brazil refusing to relent and forcing Japan ever deeper into its own half. The breakthrough, when it finally arrived, felt less like a bolt from the blue and more like a culmination of the relentless pressure. Martinelli carved open the Japanese defence before steering the winner beyond Suzuki, completing Brazil's comeback and ending one of the most courageous defensive performances of the tournament.
Japan's defeat was a heartbreaking one, but the team's footballing stature was further enhanced by its performance. Brazil, on the other hand, continues its journey for a sixth World Cup title.
