Martinelli's 96th-minute winner sends Brazil through as Havertz falls

Martinelli wins it at the death

Gabriel Martinelli scored a 96th-minute winner as Brazil beat Japan 2–1 to reach the World Cup last 16 (3) (10). Bruno Guimarães, the Newcastle midfielder Arsenal are chasing hard, provided the assist (10). Martinelli could barely speak afterwards: "I have no words to describe the joy in my heart seeing all the Brazilian people happy with the qualification" (10).

He finished last season as Arsenal's top Champions League scorer with six goals, the most by any Brazilian in the competition (11).

Havertz misses, Germany go home

Kai Havertz saw his penalty saved as Germany crashed out to Paraguay, 1–1 after extra time and 4–3 on spot-kicks (1). He had scored Germany's equaliser in the 54th minute (1). Havertz fronted up afterwards: "I don't know what to say. It's my second World Cup and we couldn't get through. For me, second time. I want to apologise. We are all very disappointed" (1).

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Bournemouth say no on Alex Scott

Arsenal made an enquiry for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. Bournemouth rejected it outright, making clear he is not for sale this summer (2). Barcelona are reportedly willing to spend €70m to land him instead (7).

Bruno Guimarães: bid rejected, door not shut

Arsenal saw an initial £55m offer for Bruno Guimarães turned down by Newcastle, but the club is encouraged a deal can be done (6). The midfielder's agent has been contacted, and Newcastle fear another Alexander Isak situation where a player pushes for a move (6). Former Arsenal man and Football Insider pundit put it plainly: "If the player wants to move, they will push for it" (6).

Tonali is also on Arsenal's radar as part of what Dutch reports describe as major midfield plans (13). Tottenham are circling too (13).

Neville worries about Saka

Gary Neville has voiced concern about Bukayo Saka's sharpness at the World Cup: "He looks like a player that we've seen many times before who's run himself into the ground. He's started to pick up a few injuries and he's just not got that sharpness right now" (9). He added Declan Rice looks similar (9). Troy Deeney, meanwhile, insisted Saka is still England's first-choice right winger when fit (15).

Saliba set to start for France

William Saliba is expected to be in the lineup for France's last-32 match against Sweden, despite needing a pre-match fitness test (12).

Rogers talk won't go away

Tony Cascarino believes Morgan Rogers would be an upgrade on Arsenal's current left-wing options, though he sees him operating from the left rather than as a traditional winger (8). This comes as Arsenal continue to be linked with wide reinforcements for the summer window.

Fan reactions

Arsenal fans are buzzing after Martinelli's heroics, with Gabriel Magalhães posting a tribute: "I tell him he can decide a game at any moment, and today that's what happened." The Havertz news has hit hard too, with one supporter simply writing "Heartbroken for Tomi," referencing Tomiyasu's Japan side who fell to Martinelli's winner. See the full reaction

Sources

  • 1. ge.globo.com — Havertz pede desculpas por pênalti perdido e eliminação da Alemanha: "Estamos muito decepcionados"
  • 2. bbc.co.uk — Bournemouth reject Arsenal interest in Scott
  • 3. expressen.se — Martinelli frälser Brasilien – avgör på stopptid
  • 6. footballinsider247.com — Arsenal 'encouraged' by Bruno Guimaraes to 'make move - 'there's a deal to be done'
  • 7. justarsenal.com — Barcelona willing to spend 70m euros to beat Arsenal to midfielder
  • 8. justarsenal.com — Tony Cascarino says Arsenal’s target is much better than current options
  • 9. arseblog.news — World Cup quotes round-up: Havertz, Gyokeres, Eze, Trossard, Odegaard & more
  • 10. ge.globo.com — Herói do Brasil, Martinelli exibe machucado no rosto e vibra com classificação: "A ficha não caiu"
  • 11. ge.globo.com — Herói contra o Japão, Martinelli foi o artilheiro brasileiro na última Champions
  • 12. dailycannon.com — Arsenal 25yo to start World Cup last-32 match amid injury concerns
  • 13. voetbalprimeur.nl — 'Arsenal heeft grootse plannen en denkt aan vier grote namen voor middenveld'
  • 15. justarsenal.com — “Am I meant to get excited?” Troy Deeney not impressed with Arsenal star
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