Gabriel Martinelli Seals Brazil's Last 16 Spot with Late Winner vs. Japan

Brazil's Gabriel Martinelli struck at the death to earn his side a hard-fought passage to the World Cup round of 16 as Japan fell at the first knockout round in dramatic fashion once more.

What happened?

FT - Brazil 2, Japan 1 Somehow they found a way. It wasn't impressive. It won't win them many more games if they play like this. But they found a way thanks to the quality of Guimaraes and Martinelli.

Brazil improved from a low berth in the second half and Casemiro made amends for a shaky display by heading home Gabriel Magalhaes' fine cross from the left. Japan appeared to be heading to injury time when Ao Tanaka lost the ball in his own third, Brazil slicing through a defense that had been so excellent in the preceding 93 minutes.

Why it matters for Gabriel Martinelli

The 22-year-old's late winner was a crucial moment in the match, securing Brazil's spot in the round of 16. Martinelli's goal was a result of his team's improved performance in the second half, with Guimaraes and Paqueta creating chances for their side.

What comes next?

Brazil will consider their first half a warning for the challenges ahead as they bid to add a sixth World Cup title. The Selecao will face a tough test in the round of 16, but they have shown they can come from behind to win.

Brazil did not want for possession from the outset and yet it was not clear that they knew how best to exploit that against a Japan rearguard that would quickly collapse into a 5-4-1 with little space between their lines. Set pieces caused the odd worry and for a moment around the 10th minute, Japan were a bit perturbed by the playmaking of Bruno Guimaraes.

Ultimately, though, accessing the penalty area was an almighty slog for Carlo Ancelotti's side. And then they would lose the ball and find there was nothing protecting their backline. After a wobbly display in their opener against Morocco, Ancelotti had felt compelled to shift his midfield to a three but still Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta, hobbled early on by the Japan press, could not get back in time to protect Casemiro.

His first notable action was a clumsy foul on Junya Ito worthy of a yellow card. Did that booking limit his ability to quell the threat when Sano stole the ball in midfield? Probably not. This was less a question of will than one of means. Casemiro did not have the legs to protect his backline when caught even a few yards upfield.

On and on Sano went, a low drive from range leaving Alisson without hope. Casemiro's struggles did not stop there. Clumsy giveaways, further occasions where he could not lay a glove on a Japan attacker: this was threatening to be a hall of shame day for the veteran. Had Paqueta not suffered an injury on the stroke of halftime, the outgoing Manchester United man might well have made way.

Instead, he got his shot at redemption. Endrick's introduction brought a much-needed spark to Brazil's attack, and it was he who set up Martinelli for the winner. The 22-year-old's finish was clinical, and it sealed Brazil's spot in the round of 16.

category: match_report