Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time goal to secure a 2-1 victory for Brazil over Japan in the round of 32 at the World Cup on Monday at NRG Stadium in Houston. The decisive goal came in the sixth minute of injury time, breaking what had appeared to be a match headed for extra time.

Japan took an early lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a misplaced pass near midfield and drove forward before firing a low, right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, beating Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The goal marked a strong start for Japan, who were pursuing their first-ever knockout stage win at a World Cup.

Brazil responded in the second half as Casemiro leveled the score in the 56th minute with a powerful header from a cross delivered by Gabriel Magalhães. Prior to scoring, Casemiro had a near miss just two minutes earlier. Brazil increased offensive pressure, with Vinícius Júnior, who entered the match having scored four goals in the tournament, narrowly missing a shot that was deflected by Japan’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and hit the post in the 58th minute.

Japan goalkeeper Suzuki made several key saves throughout the match, finishing with four stops. The Japanese side maintained a resilient defensive effort for much of the second half, preventing Brazil from pulling ahead until the late drama.

Substitute Martinelli, who entered the game in the 66th minute, capitalized on a chance created by Bruno Guimarães to score the winning goal and send Brazil through to the round of 16. Brazil will now face either the Ivory Coast or Norway, whose match is scheduled for Tuesday in Dallas, with the winner meeting Brazil on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The match was not without concern for Brazil, as Casemiro exited in the first minute of second-half stoppage time due to a suspected leg injury. Manager Carlo Ancelotti indicated that Casemiro would be evaluated within 24 hours to determine his availability for the upcoming round.

This outcome continues Brazil’s dominance over Japan, marking their 12th win in 15 encounters across competitive matches, with two draws and Japan's only victory dating back to a friendly match in Tokyo in October. Japan’s historic quest for a knockout round victory at the World Cup remains unfulfilled after a strong but ultimately narrow performance.