Brazil kept their hopes of lifting a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title alive after edging past Japan 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 clash at Houston Stadium.
Gabriel Martinelli emerged as the match-winner by finding the net in the dying seconds of stoppage time, sealing a memorable comeback for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The Samurai Blue produced an assured first-half display and took the lead in the 29th minute.
Kaishu Sano intercepted a misplaced Brazilian pass, surged into the penalty area and clinically beat the goalkeeper to hand Japan a deserved advantage heading into the break.
The South American giants returned with greater intensity after half-time and restored parity in the 56th minute.
Casemiro powered home a header from Gabriel Magalhães’ accurate delivery, shifting the momentum firmly in Brazil’s favour.
Substitute Endrick injected fresh energy into Brazil’s attack, while Vinícius Júnior came within inches of putting his side ahead, only to be denied by Zion Suzuki and the goalframe.
As extra time loomed, Brazil launched one final attack.
Rayan won possession high up the pitch before Bruno Guimarães slipped a perfectly timed pass into Martinelli, who calmly guided a low finish beyond Suzuki, with the ball clipping the post on its way into the net.
Brazil enjoyed 55 per cent possession and attempted 19 shots, including seven on target, while restricting Japan to just five efforts and two on goal.
The victory books Brazil’s place in the last 16, where they will travel to New York for their next fixture.
Japan’s spirited campaign, meanwhile, ended in heartbreak as their search for a maiden FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory goes on.
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