FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 – ROUND OF 32
BRAZIL……..2
JAPAN……….1
Brazil scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to beat Japan 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Both teams started brightly, but clear chances were limited in the opening half. Japan took the lead in the 29th minute when Kaishū Sano picked up the ball in midfield, drove forward and fired a low shot past Alisson Becker from outside the box.
Brazil struggled to respond before the break, with Japan defending well and protecting their advantage.
The South Americans looked much stronger after half-time and finally found an equaliser just before the hour mark. Casemiro powered in a header from Gabriel Magalhães’ cross to make it 1-1.
Brazil continued to dominate the second half and came close to taking the lead on several occasions. Vinícius Júnior was denied by the woodwork, while Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made a number of important saves to keep his side in the game.
However, Japan’s resistance was finally broken in stoppage time. Bruno Guimarães picked out Gabriel Martinelli, who finished calmly with a shot that went in off the post to give Brazil a 2-1 victory.
The result sends Brazil into the last 16, while Japan’s hopes of reaching the next round came to a heartbreaking end despite another determined performance.
