Gabriel Martinelli delights at 90+5: Brazil advance

In the Brazil-Japan match played at NRG Stadium in Houston in the World Cup Round of 32, it was Brazil who won it at the death. Trailing at the break, the Seleção turned the game around in the second half to win 2-1 and book their place in the last 16.

Japan were the effective side at the start. In the 29th minute, Kosuke Sano finished into the net from a Kamada assist to put his team ahead, and the first half ended 1-0 to Japan. Starting the second half fast, Brazil made it 1-1 in the 56th minute through a Casemiro goal from a Gabriel pass and stepped up their pressure.

Dominating the ball and running from chance to chance in the remaining minutes, Brazil brought on their attackers in search of a result. With the score level, the difference came in stoppage time: in the 90+5th minute, from a chance set up by Bruno Guimarães, Gabriel Martinelli finished into the net to put Brazil 2-1 ahead and secure the win.

The second-half advantage was reflected in the numbers too; Brazil dominated possession, shots and clear-chance creation to leave their mark on the match. Japan, despite their disciplined defending and effective first-half display, could not withstand Brazil's late pressure. With this result, Brazil advance to the last 16, where they will face the winner of Ivory Coast-Norway in the next round. Coming from behind for the win gave Carlo Ancelotti's side an important boost for the tournament.

By the numbers (Brazil-Japan): Score 2-1 · Goals: Sano 29' (Kamada); Casemiro 56' (Gabriel), Gabriel Martinelli 90+5' (Bruno Guimarães) · Possession 69%-31% · Expected goals (xG) 1.69-0.23 · Total shots 19-5 · Big chances 4-0 · Attendance 68,777

Image: Goal