Gabriel Martinelli could barely find the words after his stoppage-time goal sent Brazil through to the round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan at Houston Stadium on 29 June, completing a comeback that had seemed beyond them for much of a tense, breathless evening.
“I can’t explain how I feel. It’ll only really sink in a while. Thank God I managed to score the goal today. I’m so happy for the team, who gave it their all. I’m lost for words,” the substitute said after his 95th-minute winner, the latest winning goal in normal time of a World Cup knockout match since 1966.
Japan had been the better side in the opening half, taking a deserved lead when Kaishu Sano intercepted Danilo’s misplaced pass, drove towards goal and rifled a shot past Alisson Becker to send the outnumbered Samurai Blue supporters into delirium. For much of the first period, Japan produced a defensive masterclass, defenders flying into challenges, closing down space and suffocating Brazil’s attacking unit at every turn.
Ancelotti’s halftime intervention appeared decisive. Brazil emerged with greater urgency, pushing forward at a higher tempo and loading the box with runners. Casemiro, who had spurned a golden chance moments earlier, atoned by outjumping his marker to nod in a far-post header from a Gabriel Magalhaes cross in the 56th minute.
The match then twisted repeatedly. Vinicius Junior appeared to have won it when his mazy run ended with goalkeeper Zion Suzuki producing a brilliant save to push his shot onto the post. Japan regrouped, held firm and began to eye extra time.
Then Bruno Guimaraes received the ball on the edge of the box, hesitated briefly and slipped it through to Martinelli, who finished clinically at the far post in the 95th minute. Brazil’s players and staff embraced on the pitch as the Japanese looked on in disbelief.
Ancelotti reflected on the victory with characteristic composure. “We didn’t lose our patience. We had a lot of resources on the pitch and on the bench. Japan isn’t an easy opponent. It’s very organised and intense,” he said. He also confirmed that Neymar had been held back deliberately. “I was saving Neymar for extra time. He was going to enter at minute 105 if we hadn’t scored the second goal. I didn’t want to change the structure because the team was playing well.”
