◤FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico◢ Gabriel Martinelli's late strike helps Brazil stage a dramatic 1-2 comeback win against Japan comeback to reach the Round of 16s..

Brazil staged a dramatic 1-2 comeback late victory against Japan in Monday's Round of 32s match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico at the NRG Stadium in Houston, to secure their place in the Round of 16s.

In the first half, Kaishu Sano opened the scoring with a long-range shot. In the second half, Casemiro's close-range header was initially blocked off the line, but he scored on his second attempt. Vinícius's shot was saved and then deflected off the post. In a crucial moment, Martinelli's shot hit the post and deflected into the net. Ultimately, Brazil came from behind and secured a late 1-2 victory over Japan. In the next round, Canarinho will face the winner between Ivory Coast and Norway.

First Half

In the 2nd minute, Brazil launched a quick counter-attack. Rayan passes horizontally from the attacking third. Bruno Guimarães got the ball and took a few steps, before volleying with his left foot from the right side of the box, but his shot went just slightly wide of the bottom right corner of the post.

11 minutes later, Guimarães made a straight pass from the attacking third. Matheus Cunha quickly followed up, got the ball and took a few steps before taking a left-footed long shot from just outside of the penalty area, but his shot was saved by Zion Suzuki.

In the 29th minute, Japan launched a deadly quick counter-attack. Danilo misplaced a pass near the center circle of. Kaishu Sano quickly followed up, intercepted the ball, dribbled and took few steps before taking a right-footed long shot from just outside of the penalty area, with the ball flying straight into the bottom left corner of the net, leaving Alisson helpless. Japan broke the deadlock first to take a 0-1 lead!

At halftime, Brazil temporarily enter the break trailing Japan by 0-1.

Second Half

Both teams switched sides as the match continued. In the 52nd minute, Danilo played an overhead pass from the right wing. Guimarães rose high and attempted with a header in the box, however his effort was spectatcularly saved by Suzuki.

2 minutes later, Rayan delivered a long ball into the box from the right wing. Lucas Paquetá headed the ball across. Casemiro quickly followed up and attempted with a header at a very close distance in the box. However his effort was cleared off the line by Takehiro Tomiyasu! Brazil missed a golden opportunity to equalize against Japan!

In the 56th minute, Gabriel crossed into the box from the left wing. Casemiro rose high and headed the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1! This was the former Real Madrid and Manchester United legend's 10th goal for Canarinho in all competitions!

2 minutes later, Gabriel passes horizontally from near the midfield center circle. Vinícius Júnior quickly followed up, got the ball and dribbled into the left side of the box before volleying with his right foot. His shot was initially saved by Suzuki and then hit the bottom right corner of the post before bouncing off! Brazil missed a golden opportunity to quickly come from behind and take the lead against Japan!

In the 65th minute, Daizen Maeda played a through ball from near the midfield center circle. After successfully beating the offside trap, Ayase Ueda quickly followed up, got the ball and took a few steps before volleying with his right footed shot from the left side of the box, but his shot was saved by Alisson.

9 minutes later, Gabriel delivered crossed into the box from the left wing, where Rayan rose high and attempted with a header in the box, however his effort went wide of the right side of the post.

In the 6th minute of injury time, Guimarães made a straight pass from the attacking third. After stopping the ball, Gabriel Martinelli slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net from the right side of the box, leaving Suzuki helpless! Brazil secured a late 1-2 comeback victory!

When the final whistle is blown, Brazil defeated Japan in a dramatic 1-2 late comeback win.

Image source: Internet / AFP