Gabriel Martinelli: I'm very happy to have scored a goal, and I'm also proud of the team's hard work and dedication.

Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli came on as a substitute in the second half and scored the winning goal in stoppage time, helping his team to a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan and advance to the Round of 16 of the World Cup. After the match, he could not hide his excitement, saying he couldn't express his joy in words.

Gabriel Martinelli said: "I really find it hard to describe the joy at this moment. Seeing all the Brazilian fans cheering for the team's advancement, seeing my family, including my wife, parents and friends, happy for me and the team, I really don't know how to express my feelings. It all still feels a bit unreal, and it may take some time for me to truly digest and understand what just happened."

“I was talking to my family a few days ago about how my shot hit the post in the last game, but I always believed I would have another chance. Thank God, I finally scored today. I’m not only happy for myself, but also proud of this team that gave it their all.”

Wearing the number 22 jersey, Gabriel Martinelli found space in the penalty area, calmly slotted home a pass from Bruno Guimarães, and secured the win. This was his fifth goal in 26 appearances for the Brazilian national team.

When discussing the goal, Gabriel Martinelli expressed his gratitude to Bruno Guimarães. He said, "It was a very creative pass, and I'm glad I was able to finish it. We have great understanding on the pitch, and we often discuss how to find better running routes in the penalty area off the pitch."

“I know his technical characteristics very well. He can always make very penetrating passing choices in tight spaces. At that time, I was in the junction between the full-back and the center-back, and I had already moved into the receiving position. I was also ready to follow up at the second ball if he chose to shoot directly. In the end, he delivered an incredible through ball, and my job was to convert the ball into a goal.”

To secure their qualification, Brazil achieved their first come-from-behind victory under Carlo Ancelotti's management. Trailing 0-1 at halftime, the team improved significantly in the second half, applying sustained pressure on both ends of the pitch to ultimately take the lead and win the game.

Gabriel Martinelli added: "The key to this match was the team's overall performance. Every player gave their all throughout the 96 minutes, and that performance made us deserve the victory. The team never gave up, fought back tenaciously to equalize, and then scored the second goal with a high-quality team effort."

Image source: Internet/Brazil National Team Official Website