Super-sub Gabriel Martinelli emerged as Brazil’s saviour, hitting a stunning stoppage-time winner to record a thrilling 2-1 win against a solid Japan side. FIFA World Cup Game 32 at NRG Stadium on Monday.The five-time champions were staring down the barrel as the Samurai Blue took a stunning lead in the 29th minute. Capitalizing on a miscued cross, Kaishu Sano came down the pitch and unleashed a superb strike from outside the half-court to stun Alisson Becker.Carlo Ancelotti’s half-time talk cheered the Brazilians, who came out fired up and in control. After Japan’s Zion Suzuki bravely blocked Bruno Guimarães’ header in the 52nd minute, and Casemiro’s effort went over the defender’s head and the keeper’s face, victory came. In the 56th minute, Casemiro made up for an earlier miss, leaping wide to meet Gabriel Magalhães and directing a superb header past Suzuki.Brazil smelled blood, but the special Suzuki, who finished with four saves, denied the spreading VinÃcius Júnior just two minutes later, and hit the top left corner.As Japan defended themselves in the match, extra time seemed certain, especially when the limping Casemiro was forced off with a leg injury in the 91st minute. However, Martinelli had other plans. In the 96th minute, Bruno Guimarães opened up the defense with a difficult pass, and the Arsenal winger calmly slotted home to start the absolute flurry.The victory, which comes on the anniversary of Brazil’s first World Cup victory in 1958, extended their winning record against Japan to 12 wins in 15 games. It also broke the hearts of the Japanese team supported by a strong cultural connection where Brazil has more than 2.7 million Japanese people and a rich football dynasty led by the legend Zico.While Japan’s quest for victory continues, Brazil cruised safely into the pre-quarterfinals in East Rutherford, New Jersey, awaiting Ivory Coast or Norway.
