Here's further evidence that these World Cup knockout stages are an out-and-out farce. Brazil will proceed to the Round of 16 having won 2-1 thanks to a 96th minute strike by Martinelli, but the victory was anything but straightforward after this Japan start.
The Samurai Blue showed up, ready to make things extremely uncomfortable for the five-time World Champions. Their low-block set-up caused problems from minute one, and in a surprisingly chaotic second half Brazil needed a moment of individual brilliance from Casemiro to rescue them, before they were granted one final lucky charm to ensure their progressing into the next rounds in dramatic fashion.
Samurai Blue get under Brazil’s skin for one hour
Japan were absolutely electric during the opening 45 minutes against Brazil, even when their opponent held the majority of the ball. The 5 World Champions were playing with all the urgency and rhythm of a toddler late for a nap, constantly running into their host opponents’ well organised and frustrating defensive shapes.
Casemiro steps up
Their attack seemed toothless for large parts, and that was best shown with the goal which put them one down after 29 minutes, following a rather amateur giveaway in midfield from Casemiro himself. It went to Japan who passed the ball onto Kaishu Sano who was allowed to have an unchallenged 40 yards to carry the ball forward towards the Brazilian penalty area, eventually smashing home a vicious shot.
We really couldn't say Japan didn't deserve it based on the showing so far. Brazil cannot afford to go to sleep against Japan, and at half time the Selecao really let rip. After several near misses on the hourmark, they soon found their equaliser following a perfectly weighted delivery into the box from Gabriel and who other than veteran Casemiro found himself arriving in the box at exactly the right time, to power a magnificent header over a stranded Zion Suzuki.
The Brazilian bench collectively exhaled, their supporters roared the team forward, and it now seemed that they would be able to push on for a winner against a weary opposition.
Martinelli breaks the deadlock
But it just wouldn’t be. It was a tense last 30 minutes with plenty of close calls and nearly opportunities, the ball went from end-to-end with plenty of intensity, but the Japanese always held firm just about long enough to maintain a stalemate. That was all until the 96th minute.
Having only came on a few minutes previous to help boost their ailing attack, Brazilian second-half sub Gabriel Martinelli was left with an unbelievable amount of space on the left of the Japan box and when he drilled his shot inside the far post from about 10 yards, the Brazilian bench exploded.
He absolutely destroyed the dreams of a Japanese side that pushed Brazil to their limits.
Final score: Brazil 2-1 Japan
Brazil move ahead and will either play Ivory Coast Or Norway in the Round of 16. Whereas, Japan heads home after an incredible tournament run where they proved they can push any heavyweight to the absolute limit.
Add us as a preferred source on Google