New York, June 30:
Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic injury-time winner as Brazil national football team defeated Japan national football team 2-1 in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Houston. The Arsenal forward, introduced as a second-half substitute, found the net in the sixth minute of stoppage time just when the match looked destined for extra time, sealing a crucial victory for the five-time champions.
Japan had taken the lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano, who capitalised on a midfield error and finished clinically. Brazil responded after the break, with Casemiro heading home the equaliser in the 56th minute from a Gabriel Magalhães assist. Despite several missed chances, including efforts from Vinícius Júnior, Brazil maintained pressure, while Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made key saves to keep his side in the contest.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Martinelli’s impact, highlighting his intensity and ability to change the game. Brazil will next face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16.
Japan’s wait for a first knockout-stage win at the World Cup continues, despite a spirited performance that briefly put them on course to make history.
Meanwhile, right after Canada finished its first knockout match victory in a World Cup, coach Jesse Marsch huddled his players on the grass of a stadium still in pandemonium and spoke from his heart shouted, actually.
“You guys are Canadian heroes today!” Marsch declared. “Canadian heroes for the future children of this country who play this sport. The sport has a big future because of you guys. You should be so proud of who you are. You should be so proud of this game. You never lost belief. You went after it, point after point, moment after moment. You are Canadian heroes!”
Stephen Eustáquio’s dramatic late goal had inspired Marsch to Ted Lasso levels of earnestness, and he didn’t care who knew it.
Soccer has never been the main event on Canada’s busy sports calendar, and Les Rouges are playing in only their third World Cup this summer. But Marsch realized this landmark 1-0 win over South Africa on Sunday is the type of achievement that can seize an entire nation’s attention for a generation.