Brazil booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 after recording a 2-1 knockout win over Japan at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas, United States on June 29. The South American team scored the winner deep in stoppage time to avoid a major upset.
Japan holding midfielder Kaishu Sano opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a fine run and a finish from outside of the box. However, Casemiro restored parity in the 56th minute with a header while Gabriel Martinelli netted the vital goal in the sixth minute of injury time.
Thanks for the submission!
5 talking points from Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 win against Japan
#5 Japan’s game plan fell apart after half-time
Japan, who were unbeaten in 10 matches prior to their game against Brazil, failed to make the most of their game plan in the second half. While they pressed higher up the pitch and created 0.21xG in the first half, Japan produced just 0.02 xG after the break. Their conservative approach in the second half welcomed Brazil to only attack.
#4 Casemiro redeemed himself with equalising goal
Casemiro, who will depart Manchester United as a free agent this July, produced a sub-par performance in the first half. After being booked in the 14th minute, he was at fault for allowing Kaishu Sano to skip past him before Japan’s opener. However, the 34-year-old made no mistake in directing Gabriel Magalhaes’ cross to the back of the net.
#3 Zion Suzuki proved to be Japan’s standout performer
Despite allowing two goals, Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was arguably Japan’s best performer in Houston. The 23-year-old registered four saves, keeping one of Vinicius Junior’s shots from going in. He also tipped away the ball on the line after one of Casemiro’s headers was blocked following the break of the FIFA World Cup contest.
#2 Brazil relished thrilling tale of two halves
Carlo Ancelotti’s team were out of ideas in the first half, struggling to find a chink in Japan’s defensive armour. They created just 0.35 of their 1.72 xG before the break while completing more passes. But, the decision to introduce more forwards before the hour-mark paid dividends for the record five-time FIFA World Cup champions.
#1 No Neymar? No problem for South American side
Brazil continued their unbeaten run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this Monday, with Santos superstar Neymar starting none of their four matches. Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti has continued to rely on Lucas Paqueta in a number eight role instead of utilising Neymar as the sole creative outlet behind the striker. Incidentally, Neymar remained an unused substitute for his national team in the clash against Japan.
Edited by Debkalpa Banerjee