The second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage took place on Monday and it was a thrilling battle between Brazil and Japan.
The match was a gritty physical affair that Japan actually took the upper hand in early on. Kaishu Sano scored in the 29th minute to take a 1-0 lead, which carried over into halftime.
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In the second half, Brazil seemed to make strong adjustments. In the 56th minute, Brazil’s equalizer came on a header from Casemiro, but Gabriel Martinelli would prove to be the hero.
Tied 1-1 deep into stoppage time, it appeared that extra periods would be played. But Martinelli received a pass from Bruno Guimaraes near the net and slipped the ball past the goalkeeper.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Brazil had stunned Japan and moved on to the Round of 16. Naturally, fans online erupted with a range of reactions as Martinelli found the net.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
