Brazil found a late winner to defeat Japan and secure their place in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup on Monday night.
After a group stage that had seen seven of 9 AFC teams eliminated, Japan looked to have their work cut out for them against the five-time winners in Houston, Texas.
After all, the Samurai Blue entered the game having never won a knockout game at the World Cup finals, with their last two tournaments ending in the round of 16.
Brazil's midfield had been identified as a potential weakness pre-game and when given an opportunity to exploit it following the first hydration break Japan were quick to exploit it.
Kaishu Sano won the ball in midfield and immediately embarked on a mazing run through the middle of the pitch as Casemiro attempted in vain to give chase.
After getting to the edge of the box Sano unleashed a strike into the far corner with Alisson helpless to prevent him netting his first-ever international goal on the biggest possible stage.
Brazil returned rejuvenated in the second half however, and were back on level terms after 56 minutes when Casemiro headed home from close range.
Their pressure continued throughout the remainder of the game and despite Japan's best efforts, they finally found a winner in the dying moments of stoppage time as Bruno Guimaraes found Gabriel Martinelli inside the box and the Arsenal man duly converted.
Brazil v Japan Match Stats
Brazil | 2-1 | Japan |
69% | Possession | 31% |
19 | Shots | 5 |
7 | Shots on Target | 2 |
1 | Goalkeeper Saves | 4 |
6 | Corners | 2 |
682 | Total Passes | 261 |
92% | Pass Accuracy | 83% |
12 | Tackles | 10 |
18 | Clearances | 45 |
2 | Yellow Cards | 3 |
0 | Red Cards | 0 |
Brazil v Japan Timeline
12' - Yellow card for Kaishu Sano.
14' - Yellow card for Casemiro.
29' - GOAL for Japan. Scored by Kaishu Sano.
45' - Yellow card for Daichi Kamada.
46' - Substitution for Brazil. Endrick replaced Lucas Paqueta.
48' - Yellow card for Danilo
56' - GOAL for Brazil. Scored by Casemiro, assisted by Gabriel.
66' - Substitution for Brazil. Gabriel Martinelli replaced Matheus Cunha.
66' - Substitution for Japan. Yukinari Sugawara replaced Ritsu Doan.
66' - Substitution for Japan. Junnosuke Suzuki replaced Keito Nakamura.
78' - Substituion for Japan. Shuto Machino replaced Junya Ito.
84' - Yellow card for Junnosuke Suzuki.
90+2' - Substitution for Brazil. Fabinho replaced Casemiro.
90+6' - GOAL for Brazil. Scored by Gabriel Martinelli, assisted by Bruno Guimaraes.
90+7' - Substitution for Japan. Koki Ogawa replaced Daizen Maeda.
90+8' - Substitution for Brazil. Danilo replaced Bruno Guimaraes.
