Brazil snatch late winner to end Japan's World Cup run and clear England's path

Brazil survived a scare in Houston to beat Japan 2-1 in injury time, with Bruno Guimarães teeing up Gabriel Martinelli deep in stoppage time to seal a comeback that ended Japan’s World Cup campaign.

Kaishu Sano had given Japan a shock lead just before the half-hour mark, the Mainz midfielder firing a low, precise finish into the bottom corner from outside the area after Brazil gave the ball away cheaply on the halfway line. The underdogs looked capable of holding on until former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro powered in a header at the far post from a Gabriel cross just over ten minutes into the second half. Martinelli then settled it in injury time to send Brazil through.

The result has significant implications for England’s route through the knockout rounds. Thomas Tuchel’s side topped Group L — with wins over Croatia and Panama and a draw with Ghana — and face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1 in their round of 32 opener.

Should England beat DR Congo, they will face either Mexico or Ecuador in Mexico City on July 6 in the last 16, a tie that could prove demanding given the altitude of the venue.

A quarter-final in Miami on July 11 would then follow, where England could meet Brazil, Norway, or Ivory Coast — the latter two still to play their last-16 tie.

If England advance past the quarter-final, Argentina are the likely semi-final opponents on July 15. Lionel Messi’s side face Cape Verde in the round of 32, with the winner of Australia versus Egypt awaiting them in the last 16. The reigning world champions would then face one of Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia, or Ghana in the quarter-finals.

The World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.