Japan, who impressed throughout the group stage, looked on course for a major upset after taking a first-half lead through Kaishu Sano. However, Brazil responded after the break with Casemiro’s equalizer before Martinelli struck in the sixth minute of stoppage time to end Japan’s World Cup campaign.
Japan entered the match with a disciplined defensive approach, frustrating Brazil despite the South American side dominating possession from the opening minutes.
Brazil created the first opportunities, with Bruno Guimaraes forcing an early save from goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, while Vinicius Junior was closely marked and found little space to influence the game.
Japan gradually settled into the contest and capitalized on a midfield turnover in the 29th minute. Sano drove forward before firing a low shot from outside the penalty area beyond Alisson Becker to give Japan a 1-0 lead.
Brazil controlled possession but struggled to break down Japan’s compact defense before halftime, trailing 1-0 despite creating more chances.
Coach Dorival Junior responded by introducing Endrick at the start of the second half, adding another attacking option alongside Vinicius and Matheus Cunha.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 55th minute when Gabriel Magalhaes delivered a cross to the far post, where Casemiro headed home from close range to level the score.
Brazil nearly completed the turnaround four minutes later as Vinicius beat several defenders before clipping the outside of the post with an inventive finish.
Japan remained dangerous on the counterattack, with Ayase Ueda testing Alisson shortly after the hour mark, but the Asian side increasingly found themselves pinned back as Brazil continued to dominate territory.
As the match entered its closing stages, Japan adopted a deeper defensive block while Brazil searched for a winner. The game appeared destined for extra time after six minutes of added time were announced.
Instead, Brazil found the decisive breakthrough in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Bruno Guimaraes threaded a pass into the penalty area for Martinelli, who broke between two defenders before curling a shot off the inside of the post and past Suzuki.
The late strike sealed a 2-1 victory for the five-time world champions and denied Japan one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Japan exit the tournament after reaching the knockout stage for the second consecutive World Cup, while Brazil advance to the round of 16 after surviving a stern challenge from one of Asia’s strongest teams.
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