Brazil come from behind to win 2–1 against a tenacious Japan

Brazil pushed forward and laid siege to the Japanese penalty area. In the 54th minute, an equaliser seemed all but certain, but Casemiro’s header was blocked by a defender on the line and then cleared following a spectacular series of deflections. Never mind, because in the very next move, two minutes later, following a cross from the left by Gabriel, Casemiro tries his luck again, making a run into the box on the edge of the offside line and beating Suzuki with a perfect header.

From that moment on, it was all Brazil: Vinícius came close to scoring with a superb move, dribbling past his opponents with dazzling skill before his shot was deflected onto the post by a stunning save from Suzuki.

Brazil are catching their breath, but Japan are unable to pick up where they left off in the first half, clearly paying the price for the great effort they put in.

Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, however, the decisive moment arrived. In stoppage time, in the 90th minute plus 5, Japan lost possession whilst trying to clear the ball from their own half. Bruno Guimarães received a perfect through ball from the sixteen-metre line and played it to Martinelli, who had made a run between the defenders. He controlled the ball perfectly and fired a quick diagonal shot from a few metres out, leaving Suzuki with no chance. The ball grazes the post and finds the back of the net. The goal, making it 2–1, sends the Brazilian fans into raptures and effectively seals the match.

Japan deserve credit for playing an almost perfect first half, demonstrating great tactical organisation, solidity and the ability to strike at the right moment. For over an hour, the Japanese held out the prospect of an upset, causing serious problems for one of the tournament favourites.

Brazil ultimately demonstrated their superiority. After a lacklustre first half, they changed their pace and approach, showing character and the depth of their squad. The comeback was down to Casemiro’s experience and Martinelli’s fresh energy, but also to the crucial playmaking of Bruno Guimarães, who was instrumental in the build-up to the winning goal.

In the end, the result reflects the Seleção’s superior quality and constant pressure, but Japan leave the pitch with their heads held high.