Brazil fight back late, beat Japan and reach next World Cup round

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·29 juin 2026

Brazil fight back late, beat Japan and reach next World Cup round

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

Brazil took another important step in the pursuit of its sixth world 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?

Vidéos OneFootball

From the opening minutes, Brazil controlled possession, while Japan sat back waiting for a counterattack. With that, the Brazilian team moved the ball around looking for a way through the defense and a good attacking play.

In the first ten minutes, Brazil put together some good passing combinations and dominated the match, while Japan only managed to attack on one occasion. 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 error while trying to build an attack, which led to a counterattack for Japan. In the play, Sano got ahead of Danilo’s low touch and went 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 got his head to the ball and nearly equalized for Brazil, but Suzuki made the save.

Soon after, 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 headed the ball into the Japanese net.

In the 13th minute, Vini Jr nearly scored a spectacular goal for Brazil. On the play, the Flamengo academy product controlled the ball at midfield while already nutmegging his opponent. After that touch, the No. 7 burst forward, dribbled past defenders inside the box, and only didn’t put Brazil ahead because of the post.

From then on, Brazil managed to pin Japan back in defense, but could not immediately 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 found Gabriel Martinelli inside the box, who completed the comeback.

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

With the last-gasp win, Brazil has qualified for the World Cup round of 16. That means the Seleção will return to the field this Sunday (05) to face either 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.