These were the goals with which Brazil overcame Japan and qualified for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup

Home Sport These were the goals with which Brazil overcame Japan and qualified for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup
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June 29, 2026June 29, 2026By Mario Vásquez
These were the goals with which Brazil overcame Japan and qualified for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup

Brazil suffered more than expected, but ended up winning 2-1 against Japan in Houston to ensure their qualification for the round of 16 of the World Cup.

A goal of Casemiro in the second half and another from Gabriel Martinelli in the 96th minute gave the victory to the team led by Carlo Ancelotti, who was against the ropes for a good part of the match.

Japan surprised by taking the lead in the 29th minute thanks to Kaishu Sano, who took advantage of an error in Danilo’s start, recovered the ball in the opponent’s field and defined with a precise low shot against Alisson. The Asian team showed order, tactical discipline and knew how to make a Brazil without clear ideas uncomfortable in the first half.

The Brazilian reaction came after the break, after offensive adjustments that gave greater depth to the team. The insistence was rewarded in the 55th minute, when Casemiro appeared at the far post to head in a cross from Gabriel and score the 1-1 tie, which brought Canarinha back to life.

Brazil increased the pressure and generated clear chances, including a great individual play by Vinicius Jr., whose shot hit the post. Japan resisted with order, getting closer and closer to its areawhile the South American team looked for the goal to avoid extra time.

When the game seemed to be heading towards overtime, the decisive play appeared in the sixth minute of compensation. Bruno Guimarães filtered a precise pass for Gabriel Martinelli, who defined with a shot that, after deflecting slightly and hitting the post, ended up in the back of the net for the final 2-1.

With this victory, Brazil advances to the round of 16, where it will face the winner between Norway and Ivory Coast. Although they achieved their goal, Ancelotti’s team left doubts about their performance and will have to improve their collective functioning if they want to aspire to the title.

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