Late Gabriel Martinelli goal edges Brazil past Japan and into last 16

Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner as Brazil snatched a place in the last 16 of the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Japan in Houston.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side were stunned when Japan took the lead with a superb strike from Kaishu Sano after 29 minutes but replied when Casemiro atoned for a poor first-half performance with a fine header.

The game appeared to be heading towards extra time after a tense final period but Martinelli, sent on by Ancelotti on 66 minutes, capped the fightback after being played in by Bruno Guimaraes.

It was harsh on an obstinate Japan side, who were chasing their country’s first World Cup knockout win, but Brazil finished strongly after a lethargic first-half display.

Japan were measured throughout, sitting deep and allowing Brazil to control possession early on.

The South Americans found it difficult to create openings but did have an early chance as a Guimaraes shot was deflected behind and Matheus Cunha had an effort pushed wide by Zion Suzuki.

Japan’s only opportunity in the opening stages came from a free-kick after Junya Ito was felled by Casemiro but Daichi Kamada fired into the wall.

Sano, booked early on after catching Vinicius Junior late, escaped further punishment for a clumsy challenge on Cunha.

That was to prove controversial as Sano gave Japan the lead just before the half-hour.

The Mainz midfielder seized on Danilo’s loose pass on halfway and powered past Casemiro before burying a low shot beyond Alisson Becker from outside the box.

Brazil were rocked and initially reduced to tame long-range efforts from Vinicius and Cunha in response, but Ancelotti’s half-time adjustments prompted a change of tempo.

Guimaraes tested Suzuki with a strong header and Casemiro had an even better chance moments later but planted his header against Takehiro Tomiyasu on the line when he seemed certain to score.

Ito’s clearance led to a quick Japan counter-attack but it came to nothing.

Casemiro made no mistake when he got another chance on 56 minutes, firmly heading past Suzuki at the back post from a Gabriel cross.

Japan were reeling and Vinicius almost put Brazil ahead when he weaved his way through the area and attempted to flick over Suzuki, but the keeper just managed to touch onto the post.

Japan recovered their composure and held Brazil back for long periods in a tight ending but Brazil eventually found a way through.

Five minutes of stoppage time had elapsed when Guimaraes slipped in Martinelli and he bent a shot past Suzuki.

Ancelotti told fifa.com: “We didn’t lose our patience. We had a lot of resources on the pitch and on the bench but Japan aren’t an easy opponent. They’re very organised and intense.”

Asked why he did not introduce Neymar, the Italian added: “I was saving Neymar for extra time.

“He was going to come on after 105 minutes if we hadn’t scored the second goal. I didn’t want to change the structure because the team was playing well.”

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said: “I’m very disappointed that we have to leave the tournament at this stage, but the players gave their all today, as they did throughout the journey to reach this point.

“Right now I’m devastated after giving everything we had, but I want to accept this result and use it to become an even stronger team.”