Copy of Brazil avoid World Cup shock with late win vs. Jap...
Key takeaways
- Sano's 29th minute goal stunned Carlo Ancelotti's team and raised the prospect of Brazil losing a competitive game against Asian opposition for the first time and leading to one of the World Cup's biggest-ever shocks.
- Japan held firm, though, with goalkeeper Zion Suzuki making a series of crucial saves to keep his team on level terms.
- Brazil will now face the winners of Tuesday's tie between Norway and Ivory Coast in New Jersey on Sunday.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Sano's 29th minute goal stunned Carlo Ancelotti's team and raised the prospect of Brazil losing a competitive game against Asian opposition for the first time and leading to one of the World Cup's biggest-ever shocks. But a Casemiro header on 56 minutes hauled Brazil level and set up a second-half onslaught as the Seleção chased a winning goal.
Japan held firm, though, with goalkeeper Zion Suzuki making a series of crucial saves to keep his team on level terms. But Brazil snatched victory and a place in the round of 16 in the final seconds when Arsenal forward Martinelli scored from close range after being released by Bruno Guimarães.
Brazil will now face the winners of Tuesday's tie between Norway and Ivory Coast in New Jersey on Sunday.