Brazil survive the Japan scare: Casemiro and a 96th-minute Martinelli winner complete the comeback

Kaishu Sano stunned Brazil with a first-half opener, but Casemiro headed the five-time champions level and substitute Gabriel Martinelli won it in the sixth minute of stoppage time for a 2-1 comeback in the Round of 32. Brazil reach the last 16; Japan exit at the first knockout stage.

For an hour, the unthinkable was on. Japan, fearless and organised, had the five-time world champions rattled and trailing in the Round of 32. But Brazil are Brazil, and in the end their quality told: Casemiro's header and a 96th-minute Gabriel Martinelli winner sealed a dramatic 2-1 comeback in Houston and sent Carlo Ancelotti's side into the last 16.

The shock came on twenty-nine minutes. Kaishu Sano intercepted a loose pass in midfield, danced through the Brazilian challenges and rifled a low finish past Alisson. Japan led, and they defended their advantage with discipline and belief right up to half-time.

Ancelotti reshaped his side after the break, and the pressure told on fifty-six minutes. Gabriel Magalhães swung in an inch-perfect cross and Casemiro met it with a thumping header past Zion Suzuki. Level, and momentum firmly with the Seleção.

Still Japan would not break, and as the clock ticked toward extra time they looked set to earn thirty more minutes. Then, in the sixth minute of stoppage time, Bruno Guimarães slid a precise pass through to substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who rolled the ball calmly into the far corner. Heartbreak for Japan, ecstasy for Brazil, at 95 minutes and five seconds.

The numbers underlined Brazil's dominance once they found their rhythm: twenty shots to five, seven on target, and sixty percent of the ball. But Japan, under Hajime Moriyasu, can hold their heads high after taking the champions to the very last kick. They depart the competition at the first knockout stage once again, agonisingly close to more.

Brazil march on to a Round of 16 meeting in New Jersey, their quest for a sixth star alive after coming through the group. Japan, who had impressed in drawing Sweden and pushing the Netherlands, leave with pride and a sense of what might have been.

For Kenya, this was a proper watch. Neutrals love an underdog, and for an hour Japan had Nairobi's living rooms dreaming of a giant-killing, before Brazilian class reasserted itself. Japan walipigana kama simba, lakini Brazil ni Brazil: Japan fought like lions, but Brazil are Brazil. As the knockouts get going, the favourites are finding their gear. Our South America verdict had Brazil among the contenders, while our Asia verdict saluted Japan's quality.