Last-gasp Brazil down Japan to reach World Cup 16
LOS ANGELES: Brazil advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup on Monday with a thrilling last-gasp 2-1 victory over Japan as the tournament’s knockout rounds got into full swing. Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli was the hero for Brazil in Houston, scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time to settle an enthralling contest at the NRG Stadium. Japan had threatened to pull off one of the all-time great World Cup upsets after Kaishu Sano fired them into the lead with a superb 29th-minute goal on the counter-attack. Brazil looked stunned by the Japanese opener for the remainder of the half and the Asian giants comfortably protected their lead up to half-time. But Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti rolled the dice at half-time by bringing on an additional striker in Endrick for midfielder Lucas Paqueta and the South Americans immediately looked more threatening. They equalized on 56 minutes, Casemiro nodding in at the far post after a superb curling cross from the left by Gabriel Magalhaes. Japan though appeared to have done enough to force extra time, but paid the price after Ao Tanaka coughed up possession on the edge of the area in injury time. The ball was quickly played to Martinelli, who took a touch before burying the winner. Brazil will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the last 16.
