Brazil secured a dramatic late victory over Japan in their World Cup last-32 match held in Houston on Tuesday, avoiding a shock elimination that would have marked one of the tournament’s most remarkable upsets. The defending champions, who have won the World Cup five times, trailed for much of the game after Kaishu Sano’s early goal gave Japan the lead. However, Brazil rallied in the second half to claim a 2-1 win and extend their campaign.
The match began with Brazil controlling possession but struggling to convert their dominance into clear opportunities. Early chances from Bruno Guimaraes and Matheus Cunha failed to find the target, while Japan took a more defensive approach, focusing on counterattacks. Their patience was rewarded in the 30th minute when a loose pass by Brazilian defender Danilo was intercepted by Sano, who quickly broke past Casemiro and finished with a low shot past goalkeeper Alisson, giving Japan a 1-0 advantage.
The Japanese team celebrated enthusiastically, but Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had recently signed a new contract, responded with a motivating half-time team talk and tactical adjustments, including the introduction of forward Endrick. Brazil resumed with increased urgency, pressing Japan’s defense and creating more dangerous opportunities. Guimaraes forced the first save from Japan’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, and although Casemiro’s initial header was cleared at the goal line, he soon succeeded in equalizing with a precise header from a Gabriel cross.
As the match progressed, Japan’s goalkeeper Suzuki made several critical saves to keep his side in the lead, notably tipping a powerful strike from Vinicius Jr. onto the post. However, Brazil maintained pressure and eventually secured a winner deep into stoppage time. A finely executed pass from Guimaraes set up Gabriel Martinelli, who placed his shot off the post and over the line, sealing the 2-1 comeback triumph.
Japan entered the match as dark horses, having defeated Brazil in a previous meeting last October with a 3-2 comeback win, but could not replicate that success on this occasion. Brazil’s victory ensures their progression to the next round and preserves their hopes of capturing their first World Cup title since 2002.
The game, officiated by Italian referee M Mariani, attracted an attendance of 68,777 spectators. Suzuki’s performance earned him the man of the match honors despite his team’s defeat. Brazil lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with key players such as Alisson, Casemiro, and Vinicius Jr. while Japan operated a 3-4-2-1 setup featuring Sano, Suzuki, and Kamada among their starters.