World Cup: Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal powers Brazil to round of 16 win over Japan
Five-time champions Brazil are through to the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 2-1 comeback win over the Samurai Blue of Japan at Houston Stadium on Monday.
Kaishu Sano put Japan ahead an hour into the round-of-32 match when he beat goalkeeper Alisson Becker with a low shot from outside the 18-yard box to stun the Brazilians.
Brazil went to work immediately after the half-time break in an attempt to find an equaliser.
Danilo’s header from close range in the 53rd minute was saved by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who then cleared another header by Casemiro off the line two minutes later.
The South American side finally managed to beat Suzuki in the 56th minute when the former Manchester United midfielder headed home Gabriel’s cross to draw level.
All seemed set for the first extra-time match of the knockout stage, but Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli prevented that from happening by slotting home a pass from Bruno Guimarães in the fifth minute of six minutes of added time to secure a late victory for Brazil.
Brazil will face the winners of the round of 32 tie between Ivory Coast and Norway on Tuesday for a place in the quarterfinals.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Rights
ECOWAS court to go fully digital by 2030
President of the court, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, announced this at the formal unveiling of the court’s Electronic Case Management System on Monday, in Abuja.
Abuja
Abuja traders seek temporary access roads amid construction challenges
“Before, I sold up to 40 phones in a day, but now there are days I sell only two. It has become very difficult because customers cannot access the market easily,” said a trader.
Sport
2026 World Cup: Paraguay knock out Germany, advance to round of 16
Paraguay will face the winner of Tuesday’s round-of-32 tie between France and Sweden in New Jersey for a place in the quarter-finals.
Anti-Corruption
Constitutional protection urged for police, INEC, EFCC, CBN to check corrupt president, governors
“These institutions should enjoy security of tenure; their funding should be a direct charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund,” said Mr Agbakoba.
Politics
Nigeria should not repeat SIEC mistake, Agbakoba warns against gifting governors unlimited police power
Mr Agbakoba expressed concern that state police may go the way of State Independent Electoral Commissions and local governments.
Politics
Pre-election Cases: Federal High Court CJ limits adjournments to two, orders weekend filings
“The court and the parties shall prevent unnecessary delays and accordingly, not more than two adjournments shall be granted…,” the FHC said, among other guidelines.
