Brazil defeat Japan, advance to World Cup Round of 16
Brazil’s dream of a sixth World Cup title remains alive. On Monday (Jun. 29), the Brazilian national team defeated Japan 2–1 in Houston, United States in the Round of 32.
After a first half marked by nervousness, misplaced passes - including the one that led to Japan’s goal - and the opponent’s dominance, Carlo Ancelotti’s team turned up the pressure on the Blue Samurai, the Japanese national team’s nickname, after the break. Brazil equalized through a Casemiro header and showed the patience needed to be rewarded in stoppage time, when substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic winner to seal the victory.
In the Round of 16, Brazil will face the winner of Tuesday’s (30) match between Norway and Ivory Coast in Dallas. The match will be played on Sunday (5) in New Jersey.
