Substitute Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time as Brazil snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over a resilient Japan on Monday to book their place in the World Cup last 16.
The Arsenal winger fired home in the 95th minute in Houston, breaking Japanese hearts after Brazil had spent much of the second half pressing for a winner.
The five-time world champions will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday after edging a captivating knockout clash.
Japan had stunned Brazil in the 29th minute when midfielder Kaishu Sano capitalised on a defensive error before embarking on a superb solo run and calmly finishing past Alisson.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side responded after the break, with veteran midfielder Casemiro heading home from Gabriel’s cross 11 minutes into the second half as Brazil’s growing dominance finally paid off.
Martinelli then delivered the decisive blow at the death, sending the Brazil supporters into wild celebrations.
History favoured Brazil. Japan had never won a World Cup knockout match, while Brazil were chasing a record-extending sixth world title.
Yet this is far from a vintage Brazilian side, even under Ancelotti, while Japan arrived in the United States tipped by many as potential dark horses.
Roared on by the constant beat of drums from the Brazil end, Ancelotti’s team started brightly before a crowd of 68,777.
Cheers grew even louder when images of Neymar appeared on the big screens.
Japan midfielder Sano was booked early for a heavy challenge on Vinicius Junior, while Matheus Cunha forced goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into a smart save after cutting inside.
After weathering the early pressure, Japan settled into the contest and enjoyed their best spell of possession.
Their breakthrough came just before the half-hour after Danilo gifted possession away with a careless pass.
Sano, one of four changes from Japan’s 1-1 draw with Sweden in the group stage, collected the loose ball inside the centre circle, burst past the booked Casemiro with ease and drove forward before sweeping a composed finish beyond Alisson for his first international goal.
The strike silenced much of the Brazilian support, whose frustration became increasingly evident whenever attacks fizzled out or possession was recycled.
Brazil looked vulnerable defensively and struggled to create clear openings before the interval.
Ancelotti was forced into a change at half-time when Lucas Paqueta limped off injured, with 19-year-old striker Endrick introduced in his place.
Japan, who had thrashed Tunisia and held both the Netherlands and Sweden to reach the knockout stage, looked increasingly comfortable.
But Brazil emerged with renewed urgency after the restart.
Takehiro Tomiyasu twice produced crucial goal-line interventions as Brazil piled on the pressure before the equaliser finally arrived.
Gabriel delivered an inviting cross from the left and Casemiro ghosted in unmarked at the back post to head Brazil level.
Vinicius Junior, largely subdued until then, soon sprang to life, weaving through the Japanese defence before seeing his shot pushed onto the post by Suzuki.
Brazil continued to dominate as Vinicius became increasingly influential, probing relentlessly for the breakthrough.
It finally came in stoppage time when Martinelli pounced to complete the comeback and send Brazil into the last 16.
AFP
