Won the beautiful game: Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 and advanced to the round of 16

Geographically speaking, Asia is left without representatives in the 2026 World Cup (Australia plays in the AFC and is still in the tournament, but it is from Oceania). In the second match of the round of 16, although it was superior for much of the game, Brazil managed a last-minute victory in the 90th minute by 2-1 against a Japan that would surprise at the beginning, thus leaving the last Asian team alive in the World Cup eliminated.

In the first minutes, the South Americans would dominate possession and goal opportunities; however, the Japanese would be more effective with little. At 29, after a recovery in midfield, Kaishu Sano would make a personal play and from afar would unleash a low cross shot to the left post of Alisson Becker who would not manage to clear it to put the unexpected 1-0 lead.

Although the Canarinha would remain the main protagonist of the match, over time it would start to lower the intensity and go into halftime without notable chances to equalize.

At the start of the second half, Ancelotti's team would come out strong and create their first clear opportunities: at 51, a header from Bruno Guimarães was saved by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and moments later a series of rebounds that miraculously did not end in a goal.

And the third time was the charm. At 55, Guimarães would cross for Casemiro who would finally win the header against the Japanese goalkeeper to score the deserved 1-1.

Clearly motivated by the goal, the Verdeamarelha would seek to turn the game around and would come close to doing so at 57 with a shot from Vinícius Júnior that hit the post.

For the rest of the second half, the Scratch would constantly pressure their opponent and only towards the end would it bear fruit. At 95 of 96, Guimarães would receive at the edge of the area and assist the substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who would open up with his right foot to beat Suzuki and declare the final 2-1.

With this result, Brazil advanced to the round of 16 where they will face the winner of the match between Côte d'Ivoire and Norway, next Sunday, July 5 at 17:00 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.