Story perspectives

Brazil Beats Japan 2-1, Martinelli Scores Stoppage-Time Winner

6/30/2026

Summary

Brazil Advances

Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in round of 32 on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Houston, earning a place against the Norway-Ivory Coast winner in round of 16 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday.
Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in sixth-minute stoppage time after Kaishu Sano gave Japan a 29th-minute lead.
Casemiro equalized in 56th minute with a header from Gabriel Magalhães while goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made four saves, deflecting Vinícius Júnior’s shot.

Summary

Martinelli Scores

Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner that secured Brazil’s win over Japan.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti kept Neymar on the bench, planning to bring him on after the 105th minute if extra time was needed.
At halftime Ancelotti replaced Lucas Paquetá with 19-year-old striker Endrick, who immediately added pace to Brazil’s attack.
Casemiro, at 34 years and 126 days, became Brazil’s second-oldest World Cup scorer, trailing only Bebeto’s record.

History

Historical Context

The 7-1 defeat of Brazil by Germany on 8 July 2014 in Belo Horizonte shattered the host nation and sparked calls for structural reform. Subsequent changes to coaching, talent pipelines and squad rotation produced a younger core, exemplified by teenage striker Endrick and veteran Casemiro in the 2026 round-of-32, after Scolari’s resignation and a federation overhaul.

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Brazil Advances

Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in round of 32 on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Houston, earning a place against the Norway-Ivory Coast winner in round of 16 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday.
Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in sixth-minute stoppage time after Kaishu Sano gave Japan a 29th-minute lead.
Casemiro equalized in 56th minute with a header from Gabriel Magalhães while goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made four saves, deflecting Vinícius Júnior’s shot.

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