Martinelli's injury-time winner sends Brazil through as Japan's World Cup dream ends in tears

Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic injury-time winner to send Brazil into the last 16 of the World Cup, completing a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan that left the Asian side’s players and supporters devastated.

Kaishu Sano had given Japan a stunning lead on 29 minutes with a fine strike, and Hajime Moriyasu’s side held firm until Casemiro equalised with a well-taken header to cancel out a subdued first-half performance from the South Americans. With the match seemingly heading for extra time, Ancelotti introduced Martinelli on 66 minutes, and the Arsenal forward proved the difference — converting a precise through ball from Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes to seal the win.

The final whistle triggered contrasting scenes of wild celebration and raw heartbreak. Brazilian players wheeled away to the stands while Japan’s squad fell to their knees, many in tears, consoling one another on the pitch. Television footage captured Japanese supporters screaming in disbelief as their side came agonisingly close to what would have been the nation’s first knockout-stage victory at a World Cup.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti cut a composed figure amid the chaos, pausing to shake hands with Moriyasu before his players’ celebrations fully took hold. Speaking after the match, Ancelotti said: “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.”

Questions had circulated over the absence of Neymar, who has yet to feature at the tournament. Ancelotti addressed the decision directly: “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 Moriyasu was visibly deflated but proud of his players’ effort throughout the campaign. “I’m very disappointed that we have to leave the tournament at this stage,” he said, “but the players gave their all today, as they did throughout the journey to reach this point.”

Brazil, who looked vulnerable for long stretches, will now face a last-16 tie after surviving what could have been a significant upset.