Brazil fight back late, beat Japan and reach World Cup knockouts

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·29 June 2026

Brazil fight back late, beat Japan and reach World Cup knockouts

How was the Brazil vs Japan match in the 2026 World Cup?

Brazil took another important step in the quest for a sixth World Cup title. This Monday (29), the Seleção came from behind in the final play against Japan, winning the match 2-1. As a result, the team has qualified for the World Cup Round of 16.

HOW WAS THE FIRST HALF OF BRAZIL VS JAPAN IN THE WORLD CUP?

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From the opening minutes, Brazil controlled possession, while Japan sat back and waited for a counterattack. Because of this, the Brazilian side moved the ball around in search of breaking through the defense and creating a good chance.

In the first ten minutes, Brazil put together good passing combinations and dominated the match, while Japan only managed to threaten once. In the 14th minute, Kamada took a free kick, but it was blocked by the Brazilian wall.

In the 28th minute of the first half, Brazil made a passing mistake while building up an attack, which led to a counterattack for Japan. In the play, Sano got ahead of Danilo’s low touch and went straight toward goal. From outside the box, the Japanese No. 24 hit a low shot, leaving goalkeeper Alisson with no chance.

From that point on, Brazil kept looking for solutions to break down Japan’s defensive setup, but without much inspiration. As a result, the first half ended 1-0 to the Japanese.

HOW WAS THE SECOND HALF OF BRAZIL VS JAPAN IN THE WORLD CUP?

After the break, Lucas Paquetá felt pain in the back of his left thigh and had to leave the field. In place of the No. 20, Ancelotti brought on Endrick. In the sixth minute, Bruno Guimarães headed the ball and nearly equalized for Brazil, but Suzuki made the save.

Right after that, Brazil had another chance inside the box with yet another header, this time from Casemiro. However, the midfielder’s header was cleared off the line by Japan’s defense. Still, on the very next play, after a cross from Gabriel Magalhães, the Seleção’s No. 5 powered a header into the Japanese net.

In the 13th minute, Vini Jr nearly scored a spectacular goal for Brazil. On that occasion, the Flamengo academy product controlled the ball at midfield while already nutmegging his opponent. With that control, the No. 7 surged forward, dribbled past defenders inside the box, and only the post denied the Canarinho the comeback.

From then on, Brazil managed to pin Japan back in defense, but for a while could not create more chances to extend the lead. However, in the final minute of the second half, Rayan won the ball on the right side and found Bruno Guimarães with a beautiful pass. Then the midfielder picked out Gabriel Martinelli inside the box, who turned the match around.

WHAT IS BRAZIL’S NEXT MATCH IN THE WORLD CUP?

With the win in the final play, Brazil has qualified for the World Cup Round of 16. That means the Seleção will be back on the field this Sunday (05) to face Ivory Coast or Norway. The match will take place at 5:30 p.m. (Brasília time) in New Jersey, United States.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.