Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score a stoppage-time winner for Brazil against Japan, setting a World Cup record for the latest winning goal in a knockout match before extra time. His goal at 95 minutes and 00 seconds secured a 2-1 victory and a spot in the last 16.
Match details
The clash in Houston saw Japan take a first-half lead through Kaishu Sano, who burst through midfield and slotted home on 29 minutes. Brazil equalized just before the hour mark with a header from Casemiro. Despite pushing for a winner, Brazil had to wait until stoppage time, when Martinelli produced a smart finish to break Japanese hearts.
Record-breaking goal
Martinelli's goal is the latest ever winning goal scored in a World Cup knockout match before extra time, surpassing Francesco Totti's penalty for Italy against Australia in 2006, which came at 94 minutes and 26 seconds. Martinelli's strike ensures Brazil will face Norway or Ivory Coast in the next round.
Reactions
Martinelli said after the match: 'We were fighting all through the game, we wanted to keep ball possession. At some point we know we would get close to goal. Japan close the defence really nice but we did a good job, really controlled the match and finally generated the winning opportunity.' He added: 'It represents so much. My whole family watching, my friend at home, our people celebrating. I'm so elated and really proud and it gives us confidence to move forward.'
Casemiro, who was criticized for Japan's goal but redeemed himself with Brazil's first, said: 'I think it was about our calm and our patience and pressuring and pressuring a team that was playing a very low block. We believed the time would come, our confidence and our pressure were key for this match.' He added: 'You have to really value the entire group. Martinelli with the winning goal. That's the path to win the World Cup.'
