Brazil advances to the Round of 16 in the World Cup

In the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, Brazil and Japan faced off at Houston Stadium. In the match officiated by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani, Japan took a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute.

Winning the ball at the midfield line, Kaishu Sano advanced with the ball and sent it into the bottom left corner of the net with a shot from in front of the penalty arc.

While Brazil dominated possession, they struggled to create chances, and the teams headed to the locker rooms with a 1-0 scoreline.

Carlo Ancelotti started the second half with the substitution of Endrick, and the equalizer came in the 56th minute. From a cross by Gabriel from the left side of the penalty area to the back post, Casemiro headed the ball into the net. Two minutes after this goal, Vinicius Junior entered the penalty area with a series of dribbles, but his shot hit the post. The Samba Boys, who displayed a completely dominant performance and created clear-cut chances in the second half of the match, found the winning goal in stoppage time.

Bruno Guimaraes connected with Gabriel Martinelli inside the penalty area after winning the ball through a press. Despite goalkeeper Suzuki's intervention, Martinelli's placed shot hit the post and went into the net. The Japanese side could not find a goal in the remaining minutes, and Brazil became the side to write their name into the Round of 16.

The Samba Boys will play the winner of the Ivory Coast vs. Norway match in the Round of 16.

News Source: 12punto