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Martinelli’s Late Strike Sends Brazil Through

Martinelli’s Late Strike Sends Brazil Through

Gabriel Martinelli scored a 96th-minute winner as Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 and advance to the World Cup last 16.

The dramatic victory kept alive Brazil's quest for a sixth World Cup title and broke Japanese hearts, with fans in Tokyo left in tears after the Samurai Blue failed to win a knockout game for the fifth consecutive tournament.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said he never doubted his 'suffering' team would find the goal, praising the impact of his tactical changes.

The match was an emotional rollercoaster, with Brazil fans celebrating on Copacabana Beach while Japan searched for answers after another early exit.

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Brazil Rafael Rabello de Barros, CC BY-SA 3.0
Brazil
Country in South America
Japan
Island country in East Asia
2026 FIFA World Cup
23rd FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2026
Gabriel Martinelli
Brazilian footballer (born 2001)
Carlo Ancelotti
Italian football player and manager