Brazil vs Japan

Brazil survived a real scare to edge past Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32, with substitute Gabriel Martinelli breaking Japanese hearts deep in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Kaishu Sano stunned the Seleção in the 29th minute, pouncing on a misplaced pass from Danilo and firing coolly past Alisson Becker. Brazil levelled through Casemiro in the 56th minute — the midfielder making amends with a powerful far-post header from a Gabriel Magalhães cross. Vinicius Jr. had a brilliant effort stopped by goalkeeper Suzuki, before Martinelli, fed by Bruno Guimarães, curled in the winner in the 96th minute just as extra time loomed. Brazil advance to the Round of 16, where they face the winner of Côte d'Ivoire versus Norway on 5 July. Japan, defensively resolute and dangerous on the break, exit with their heads held high after pushing one of the tournament favourites all the way.