Martinelli's 95th-minute strike saves Brazil from Japan scare

Martinelli, 90+5

Brazil are through. Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 95th minute to beat Japan 2–1 in the Round of 32 on Monday, keeping your World Cup alive (1) (2) (8).

Japan had led through Kaishu Sano, who scored his first international goal and earned comparisons to Kanté from the Spanish press (3) (5). Matheus Cunha pulled Brazil level, then Martinelli buried the winner deep into stoppage time.

Terra was blunt on the attack: "He fought hard against the defenders, but struggled to finish. Like Vini Jr., he was below his recent level of performance" (1). The performance was not pretty. The result stands.

Neymar stayed on the bench, Ancelotti explains why

Carlo Ancelotti kept Neymar on the bench for the full 90 minutes and extra time never came. "Guardei para prorrogação", I saved him for extra time, Ancelotti said afterwards (2). The plan was to use him if the match went beyond regulation. It didn't. Martinelli's late goal made the decision irrelevant.

Ancelotti found Moriyasu before celebrating

After the final whistle, Ancelotti did not join his players immediately. He sought out Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu first, consoling him before turning to celebrate with the squad (4).

Moriyasu said afterwards: "The gap between us is closing now. Of course, Brazil is a top-tier team and we are definitely approaching that level. As a result, we were devastated" (5).

Norway or Ivory Coast await on Tuesday

Your round of 16 opponent will be decided Tuesday, when Norway face Ivory Coast (6). The winner gets Brazil in the next round.

Germany go home

Germany are out. Paraguay eliminated them on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the Round of 32 (2) (7). That is one heavyweight gone from your side of the bracket.

Morocco through on pens, Canada advance

Morocco beat the Netherlands 3–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw (2) (7). Canada edged South Africa 1–0 with a late Stephen Eustáquio goal (2). The round of 16 is taking shape.

Fan reactions

Brazilian fans and neutrals alike are calling Ancelotti "Crafty Carlo" after the Japan escape, with many on r/soccer admitting your team was 45 minutes from humiliation before the comeback kicked in. The image of Matheus Cunha consoling a devastated Ao Tanaka after the winner is circulating widely on r/reddevils, and Martinelli posted a message to supporters that Arsenal fans on r/Gunners are sharing. Relief is the dominant mood. Read more on r/soccer