Gabriel Martinelli delivered the biggest goal of his international career by scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner that sent Brazil into the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Arsenal winger struck in the 96th minute to seal a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan in Houston, ensuring Brazil avoided extra time and continued their pursuit of a sixth world title.
Already regarded as one of the Premier League’s brightest attacking talents, Martinelli’s decisive contribution on football’s biggest stage has further cemented his growing reputation as a player capable of delivering in high-pressure moments.
Martinelli’s late strike breaks Japanese resistance
Brazil found themselves trailing after Koki Sano’s first-half goal and struggled for long periods to break down Japan’s disciplined defensive setup. Casemiro restored parity in the second half, but the match looked destined for extra time as Japan continued to frustrate the South Americans.
Martinelli, introduced as a substitute, changed the contest in stoppage time. Bruno Guimaraes threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area, allowing the Arsenal forward to control the ball before calmly beating goalkeeper Zion Suzuki with a low finish.
Also Read | Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time strike sends Brazil past Japan into FIFA World Cup last 16
Brazil’s pressure finally paid off shortly after the restart when veteran midfielder Casemiro levelled the scores in the 56th minute. The Manchester United midfielder rose highest to convert Gabriel Magalhães’ delivery and restore momentum for the favourites.
From that point onwards, Brazil dominated territory while Japan defended courageously in search of extra time. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced several important saves, while the Japanese backline blocked repeated attempts inside the penalty area.
Just when penalties appeared inevitable, Bruno Guimarães split the Japanese defence with a perfectly weighted pass in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Martinelli controlled the ball brilliantly before firing a low shot that slipped past Suzuki despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it.
The late strike sparked wild celebrations among the Brazilian players while Japanese footballers collapsed to the turf in heartbreak.
TMC rebels :
Will merge with Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP)
Indian Democracy has become the “theatre of the absurd”
A joke !
The rebels of the TMC legislative party cannot merge with a political party ; that can happen only if the TMC wished to do so !
Disqualify them !— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) June 14, 2026
