Sports Desk:
Substitute Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic injury-time goal gave five-time world champions Brazil a 2-1 victory over Japan to secure their place in the last 16 of the tournament.
The score was 1-1 after 90 minutes of the thrilling match in Houston. However, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal at the end of added time (95 minutes) to give Brazil a crucial victory. His goal left thousands of Japanese fans in the stadium stunned.
Japan took the lead in the 29th minute through midfielder Kaisu Sano. Taking advantage of a mistake in Brazil’s midfield, he took possession of the ball and fired it into the net with a single effort. The sudden goal put Carlo Ancelotti’s men under pressure for a while.
However, Brazil turned around after the break. In the 56th minute of the match, experienced midfielder Casemiro’s powerful header brought the Seleção level. After that, Brazil maintained clear dominance in possession and attack throughout the second half.
Just as the match was heading towards a draw, Martinelli’s goal in the fifth minute (95′) of added time gave Brazil the desired victory. As soon as the final whistle blew, the Brazilian camp immediately burst into joy.
