Brazil survived a determined challenge from Japan to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory in stoppage time and book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after an entertaining knockout contest at Houston Stadium.
Japan stunned the five-time world champions midway through the first half when Kaishū Sano collected possession near the halfway line, surged past Casemiro and fired a low strike beyond Alisson Becker in the 29th minute to hand the Samurai Blue a deserved lead.
Brazil, who had struggled in recent World Cup matches after conceding first, responded with greater urgency following the interval. Their pressure eventually paid off just before the hour mark when Casemiro powered home a header from Gabriel Magalhães’ cross to restore parity.
The Seleção continued to dominate proceedings as Japan gradually lost momentum. Vinícius Júnior came close to producing one of the tournament’s standout goals before seeing his effort pushed onto the woodwork by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
With extra time looming, Brazil found the breakthrough. Bruno Guimarães delivered a precise pass to Gabriel Martinelli, who calmly bent his effort into the far corner after clipping the post in stoppage time to complete the comeback and seal qualification.
The victory extends Brazil’s long-standing dominance over Japan in competitive fixtures and keeps their hopes of another World Cup title alive.
Brazil advance to the Round of 16 and remain on course for a potential meeting with Argentina later in the tournament.