Brazil survived a World Cup last-32 scare when they fought back to beat Japan 2-1 after Gabriel Martinelli squeezed in a shot at the far post deep in stoppage time on Monday (Jun 29), reports Reuters.
Brazil, who will next face Norway or Ivory Coast in New Jersey on Sunday, improved after the break with Japan taking an early lead and shackling the attack of the five-time champions for much of the opening period.
Martinelli's winner in the 95th minute came at the end of a tense match and was the latest winning goal in normal time of a World Cup knockout game since 1966. Brazil players and staff hugged each other on the pitch after the match as the Japanese players watched on in disbelief.
"I can't explain how I feel," Martinelli said. "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."
Japan's Kaishu Sano stunned Brazil after 29 minutes when he intercepted Danilo's misplaced pass before driving toward goal and rifling a shot past goalkeeper Alisson Becker to send the outnumbered Samurai Blue fans into delirium.
Japan put on a first-half defensive masterclass as they sucked up pressure with defenders flying around the pitch, breaking up passes and closing down space any time a Brazilian player had the ball.
The result denied Japan a first-ever World Cup knockout win and Brazil stayed on course to reach the quarter-finals again as they have in every tournament since a last-16 exit in 1990.
Casemiro praised his side for keeping their cool and plugging away until the end.
"I knew the opportunity would come, so the team is to be congratulated mainly for this calmness within the game," said the 34-year-old.
"When you score, all the team scores, and when you suffer, all the team suffers."
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said his team would depart the tournament with heads held high.
END/REUTERS/ASA
