FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Brazil struggled until the final seconds, but a dramatic goal from Gabriel Martinelli in the 90+5 minute gave them a 2-1 victory over Japan, securing qualification for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
At the Houston Stadium, Carlo Ancelotti's team faced an organized and aggressive Japan, which troubled the five-time world champions for more than an hour of play.
The Japanese shocked Brazil in the 29th minute, when Kaishu Sano scored a spectacular goal with a powerful shot from outside the area, beating Alisson and bringing the Japanese fans to their feet.
Brazil responded immediately after the break. In the 56th minute, Casemiro capitalized on a deflected ball in the area and headed home to level the score at 1-1, restoring confidence to the "Selecao".
Ancelotti's team took control of the match and applied constant pressure. Vinicius Junior hit the post, Bruno Guimarães and Matheus Cunha created dangerous chances, while Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki put in an outstanding performance, denying the Brazilian goal several times.
Just when it looked like everything was heading for extra time, Brazil found the decisive moment. In the fifth minute of extra time, Bruno Guimarães set up Gabriel Martinelli, who fired a shot into the corner of the net. The ball hit the post and ended up in the net, sealing a 2-1 victory and Brazil's qualification.
The success, however, came at a cost. Lucas Paquetá was injured early in the second half and replaced by Endrick, while Casemiro was also forced off with an injury in stoppage time, adding to Ancelotti's concerns ahead of the next stage of the tournament.
Japan leave the 2026 World Cup with their heads held high, having played a great match and were just minutes away from forcing Brazil into extra time. However, the Brazilians' experience and individual quality made the difference at the most crucial moment.
With this dramatic victory, Brazil continues its journey to the 2026 World Cup and in the round of 16 will face the winner of the Ivory Coast - Norway match, in an attempt to continue the march towards a sixth world title.
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