Pic – ARAB NEWS
KOTA KINABALU: Brazil advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Gabriel Martinelli struck in stoppage time to give them a 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston on Monday.
Despite a determined performance from Japan, who opened the scoring and defended resolutely, Brazil responded with growing intensity and equalized before sealing the win in the dying moments.
Japanese supporters were visibly emotional at the final whistle, moved to tears after their team’s valiant effort.
Though they took an early lead and competed fiercely, Japan were ultimately undone by Brazil’s persistence and composure under pressure.
Credit is due to Japan, whose campaign has been impressive even without several key players sidelined by injury.
