The result of the match Brazil vs. Japan at World Cup: Martinelli’s injury-time winner spares Brazil blushes against brave Japan in thriller

Gabriel Martinelli’s heroics led Brazil to a sensational 2-1 victory over Japan in a thrilling World Cup Round of 32 match.(AP Photo) Super-sub Gabriel Martinelli proved to be Brazil’s savior as he scored a breathtaking winner deep into stoppage time to set up a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over a resilient Japan in their FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash at NRG Stadium on Monday.The five-time champions were staring down the barrel of a disastrous exit when Samurai Blue took the lead in the 29th minute. Taking advantage of a misplaced pass from midfield, Kaishu Sano raced up the pitch and unleashed a brilliant right-footed strike from just outside the half-circle to stun Alisson Becker.Carlo Ancelotti’s half-time talk completely reinvigorated the Brazilian players, who came out fired up and dominated possession. After Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki bravely blocked a Bruno Guimarães header in the 52nd minute and Casemiro’s subsequent effort bounced off the defender’s head and the custodian’s face, the breakthrough finally came. In the 56th minute, Casemiro made amends for his earlier mistakes, leaping highest to meet Gabriel Magalhães’ cross and send a majestic header past Suzuki.Brazil smelled blood but the outstanding Suzuki, who finished with four saves, denied the exuberant Vinícius Júnior just two minutes later and his strike from the left of the box trickled over the far post.Japan defended gamely and extra time seemed all but certain, especially when the limping Casemiro was forced off with a leg injury in the 91st minute. However, Martinelli had other plans. In the 96th minute, Bruno Guimarães unlocked the defense with a slick pass and the Arsenal winger calmly slotted through to set off absolute pandemonium.The dramatic victory, which came on the anniversary of Brazil’s first World Cup triumph in 1958, extended their dominant head-to-head record against Japan to 12 wins in 15 matches. It also struck a chord with a Japanese side backed by a deep cultural connection, as Brazil is home to the largest diaspora of 2.7 million Japanese descendants and a rich football lineage pioneered by legend Zico.As Japan’s quest for a first knockout victory continues, Brazil march safely into the pre-quarterfinals in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where either Ivory Coast or Norway await.