Brazil 2-1 Japan: Martinelli’s 96th-minute winner sends Seleção to last 16 | OneFootball

Ollie Whitmore, Chief football news reporter

Gabriel Martinelli broke Japan hearts with a 96th-minute winner to send Brazil through to the round of 16 of the World Cup and end Samurai Blue’s 10-game unbeaten run.

Kaishu Sano punished the five-time winners’ cheap giveaway as they once again failed to get going, much like against Morocco in their opening match, but Casemiro headed his team level after first being denied by a miraculous goal-line clearance.

Japan held a fierce resistance to repel attack after attack from Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but let their guard down for the first time in 96 minutes allowing Martinelli to slot in the winner with help of the post to prolong the dark horses’ wait for a knockout win.

Brazil quickly found out just how little room they had around Japan’s penalty area as Bruno Guimaraes was crowded out and saw his shot deflected wide, before Casemiro found Matheus Cunha and his effort was tipped around the post by Zion Suzuki.

Japan on the other hand managed to breach Seleção’s midfield line and earned a free kick for a clumsy swipe from behind by Casemiro, who earned his second booking of the tournament but let off by Daichi Kamada hitting the base of the wall.

Reluctant to take lectures from Japan’s warning, Brazil were left stunned when Danilo sloppily gave it away to Sano on halfway and the midfielder fired past Alisson and into the bottom left following a fearless sprint through the middle.

Carlo Ancelotti evidently told his side to adopt more width in the second half to pile crosses into the box towards substitute Endo, but it was Casemiro who had his header somehow cleared off the line by Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The former Manchester united midfielder wouldn’t be denied a second time, however, rising at the back post to power a bullet header past Zion Suzuki – who earlier had made a good save to deny Guimaraes – to level for Brazil after 56 minutes.

Brought back to life by the equalizer, Vinícius took the ball under his spell with a world-class first touch through the legs of his marker, danced his way into the box from the left and forced Suzuki into a wonderful save to tip his shot onto the post.

Japanese legs soon tired and were under siege for much of the closing stages, with rare instances where they managed to break away ending with Brazil easily dealing with the danger, but Samurai Blue kept their discipline to protect the box.

Yet they weren’t able to make it through eight long additional minutes and to extra time, switching off when Guimaraes collected the ball on the edge of the box and slotted in substitute Martinelli to caress home the winner right at the death.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side have charmed fans around the world with their bold, free-flowing style of football, but ultimately bet their match as Brazil avoided another embarrassing World Cup exit and squeezed through to the round of 16.

Seleção will face either the Ivory Coast or Japan’s fellow dark horses Norway, and despite grinding out the necessary result must fix their inability to properly start fixtures if they are to improve their chances of a sixth World Cup triumph.

Japan analysis: Samurai Blue impress in round of 32 heartbreak

Japan once again proved why they have the right to reserve the title of World Cup dark horses, even now they have been eliminated from the tournament.

They were as fearless in their approach as they were throughout the group stage, showcasing their discipline both in the forward press and drive to get back into shape after a turnover with how fluid Hajime Moriyasu’s team were in possession.

Kaishu Sano embodied the ethos with which Japan have charmed the footballing world, breaking forward with intent and taking his opportunity when presented it by Danilo’s lax pass on halfway, still having an awful lot to do before he could apply the finish.

Brazil had been scoring for fun against both Haiti and Scotland, and although both are considered much weaker opponents Japan thoroughly impressed with their staunch resistance.

It was the doubling up on Vinícius Júnior, their willingness to track back and break away with pace. Moriyasu’s team barely put a foot wrong and the tears at full-time showed just how close they were to one of the biggest World Cup shocks for some time.

Japan may well have over-estimated how long they could withstand a full-blown assault on Zion Suzuki’s goal in the second half, but can leave with their heads high knowing that they might not have to wait much longer for a victory in the World Cup knockouts.

Brazil analysis: Ancelotti’s side still vulnerable in transition

Coby Watson, World Cup tactics correspondent

Brazil looked vulnerable when they gave possession away. Japan threatened to catch Brazil in transition, as their midfield three looked to be ageing and were slow to get into their defensive shape.

Casemiro in particular looked slow and the warning signs were present when he received a booking after 14 minutes. It was a late lunge on Junya Ito who got in front of the Brazilian and looked to threaten.

Japan exposed Brazil again 15 minutes later, when Danilo gave the ball away in midfield. They were quick on the break and caught the Brazilian midfield unit snoozing.

Kaishu Sano got past Casemiro with ease as he was far too slow to get back into position. Sano then let fly and put the Japanese ahead.

Casemiro was too slow to close Sano down which ultimately afforded him the space and time to get his shot off. However, this was not just an issue for him, as many of his teammates also struggled to deal with the Japan’s intensity.

The warning signs were there for Brazil who had been too slow in transition and were half a yard slower than their opposition, and 34-year-old Casemiro’s age was beginning to show as he could not keep up with the pace of the Japanese attack.

Brazil’s problems continued in the second half. Danilo received a booking a few minutes into the second half after a late challenge. They still struggled to live with the pace and directness of the Japan’s attack.

It was abundantly clear Brazil were the dominant side in the second half, but they still looked vulnerable in transition on a couple of occasions.

After a fantastic chance for Vinicius, Japan charged forward in numbers and caught Brazil on the break. The Samrai Blue could not finish on this occasion, but it was clear that Brazil had their vulnerabilities.

Brazil progressed through this game but sides who will go on to play them will note such vulnerabilities. Ivory Coast or Norway will play Brazil next, and they know that if they can overload the midfield area and attack with pace, they will have the numbers advantage.

Brazil are too slow in transition and their midfield failed to hold their shape allowing Japan’s opener. Players like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard can and will exploit this should they win their game against Ivory Coast.

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Brazil – Japan Live Score