Brazil vs. Japan was among the most attractive duels of the last 16 phase of the World Cup. The game was played at NRG Stadium in Houston, an arena that has a capacity of no less than 72,220 spectators.
After a 2-1 heart attack against the Japanese, Brazil will meet in the round of 16 the winner of the duel between Norway and Ivory Coast, scheduled tomorrow evening, from 20:00.
Both teams started the fight with serious squad problems. While Ancelotti’s Brazil were unable to rely on Raphinha, who is recovering from a thigh injury, Japan were completely without the help of wonder midfielder Takefusa Kubo, who was nursing a serious knee problem.
Brazil won the group that also included Morocco, Scotland and Haiti, finishing with two wins and a draw, while Japan finished second in Group F, beaten by the Netherlands but ahead of Sweden and Tunisia.
Japan opened the scoring, Brazil “closed” the table
The Brazilians had more possession, trying to open the scoring from the first minutes. Bruno Guimaraes and Matheus Cunha had the first chances of the game, but the Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was at the post.
Even though the South Americans dominated the game, it was Japan who struck. In the 30th minute, Kaishu Sano recovered the ball in midfield, advanced unstoppable and scored with a placed shot, surprising the entire Brazilian defense. Before the break, the Brazilians tried to react, but Vinicius Jr.’s shot did not trouble Suzuki, so Japan went into the dressing room with the advantage.
Ancelotti’s students struck in extra time
At the start of the second half, Carlo Ancelotti changed the attack and sent on Endrick. Brazil forced the equalizer and Japan’s goalkeeper made several important saves.
The 1-1 goal came in the 56th minute. Casemiro took advantage of an excellent cross from Gabriel Magalhaes and restored the tie with a precise header.
Brazil continued to attack and came very close to the winning goal after a spectacular move from Vinicius, who ran past two opponents before his shot was deflected onto the bar by the Japan keeper. On the other side, Ayase Ueda tested Alisson, but the Brazilian goalkeeper intervened safely.
When the game seemed to be heading to overtime, the South Americans struck in the final seconds. In the 90th+5th minute, after a recovery near the opponent’s box, Bruno Guimaraes made a decisive pass to Gabriel Martinelli, and the Brazilian striker scored the goal that brought qualification to the round of 16.
