Gabriel Martinelli broke Japanese hearts with a late, injury time goal with a sensational finish from inside of the box to help Brazil advance to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. La Selecao
Published: June 30, 2026, 12:56 AM IST
Share Article
https://www.india.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-brazil-advance-to-round-of-16-after-electrifying-2-1-win-triumph-against-valiant-japan-side-8461315/
Casemiro (bottom) of Brazil tackles Ito Junya (2nd L) of Japan during the Round of 32 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Houston Stadium in Houston, the United States, on Monday, June 29, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
Gabriel Martinelli broke Japanese hearts with a late, injury time goal with a sensational finish from inside of the box to help Brazil advance to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. La Selecao staged an outstanding comeback after going 1-0 down in the 1st half and it what was an electrifying 90 minutes or so at the Houston Stadium.
Brazil, well and truly, delivered a sucker punch in the 2nd half as their fluid attacking display left Japan stunned with the Blue Samurai chasing after the ball for better parts of the game. Carlo Ancelotti, who has had a decorated coaching career with several clubs in Europe, reached another step closer to World Cup glory and help La Selecao end their wait for a record 6th title.
More to follow..
