Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time to complete a 2-1 comeback for Brazil against Japan at Houston's NRG Stadium on Monday, sending the five-time champions into the Round of 16. The Arsenal forward, introduced as a second-half substitute, turned in a cutback in the 95th minute just as the contest appeared destined for extra time, sparking wild celebrations among the Seleção players while head coach Carlo Ancelotti remained impassive on the touchline, conferring with his assistant.

Japan had taken a first-half lead through Kaishu Sano, who punished a loose pass in the 29th minute with a precise finish from outside the area. Brazil dominated possession but found little space against a compact, well-drilled Japanese defensive block. Ancelotti responded at the interval by sending on Endrick for Lucas Paquetá, shifting to a system with two natural wingers and instructing his side to deliver more crosses from wide areas. The equaliser arrived 11 minutes after the restart when Casemiro, who had been booked in the first half, headed home a cross. Brazil then sustained pressure until Martinelli's late intervention settled the tie.

Ancelotti later revealed that Neymar, who did not leave the bench, had been held back for a possible extra-time scenario. The Italian told reporters he had agreed with the forward that he would enter around the 60th or 65th minute if Brazil were still trailing, but Casemiro's goal altered the plan. "I didn't want to change the structure because we had control of the game," Ancelotti said. Brazilian media highlighted the team's growing resilience, with outlets describing the squad as having developed a thicker skin ("casca") and praising the collective patience that prevented panic after falling behind. Spanish-language coverage focused on the calculated management of Neymar's minutes, noting he had only recently returned from a calf injury.

Brazil now advance to a Round of 16 meeting in New Jersey on 5 July against the winner of the Ivory Coast–Norway tie. Ancelotti acknowledged that his side is still short of its peak and will monitor the fitness of Paquetá and Casemiro, both of whom left the match with discomfort. The victory, built on tactical flexibility and late resilience, keeps the Seleção on course in their pursuit of a sixth world title.