Story perspectives

Martinelli’s 96th-minute winner lifts Brazil past Japan

7/1/2026

Summary

Brazil Advances

Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in the World Cup last-32, moving on to the round of 16.
Kaishu Sano (Japan forward) opened scoring in the 29th minute, slipping past goalkeeper Alisson.
Casemiro (midfielder) equalised eleven minutes after the break with a header from a Gabriel Martinelli (winger) cross.
Gabriel Martinelli (winger) netted the 96th-minute winner, his first World Cup goal, after Bruno Guimaraes passed to beat goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

Summary

Martinelli Scores

Martinelli’s 95th-minute winner set the record for the latest normal-time knockout goal since 1966.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed he planned to substitute Neymar at the 60th minute to save him for extra time.
Ancelotti said his lack of celebration honored Japan’s courageous 95-minute effort.
At halftime Ancelotti urged patience, telling players they would eventually score.
Ancelotti praised Brazil’s second-half tactical evolution, noting improved spacing, crossing, and Casemiro’s natural leadership.

Summary

Brazil Comeback

Brazil staged a comeback win, its first knockout reversal since the 2002 semi-final over Turkey, ending a 24-year drought.
Carlo Ancelotti became Brazil's first foreign head coach at a World Cup.
Brazil entered the match having never lost a knockout to a non-European side, extending that streak.
Japan has never won a World Cup knockout-stage match.

History

Historical Context

In 1958 Sweden hosted the World Cup, where 17-year-old Pelé helped Brazil win its first title with a 5-2 final over the hosts, scoring two goals in a match that set the record for five goals by a winning side. That triumph forged a knockout resilience that Brazil still draws on in later tournaments such as its 2022 comeback.

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Brazil Advances

Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in the World Cup last-32, moving on to the round of 16.
Kaishu Sano (Japan forward) opened scoring in the 29th minute, slipping past goalkeeper Alisson.
Casemiro (midfielder) equalised eleven minutes after the break with a header from a Gabriel Martinelli (winger) cross.
Gabriel Martinelli (winger) netted the 96th-minute winner, his first World Cup goal, after Bruno Guimaraes passed to beat goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

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