Martinelli breaks Japanese hearts in stoppage time

Elimination heartbreak: Brazil 2–1 Japan

Japan went out of the World Cup in the round of 16, losing 2–1 to Brazil in stoppage time. Kaishu Sano scored his first international goal to put Japan ahead, but Vinícius Júnior equalised in the second half and Gabriel Martinelli won it deep into added time (1) (4). The winner was the latest knockout-stage goal in Brazil's World Cup history (4).

Brazil's Casemiro was at the centre of things. President Lula later singled him out: "I want to thank Ancelotti for not taking Casemiro off" (1).

Lucas Paqueta went off injured during the match and will miss Brazil's next game (6).

Tomiyasu wants Premier League return

Takehiro Tomiyasu is discussing his Ajax departure and has a clear preference: he wants the Premier League again (2). He called it "the highest level." Japan fans will watch where their defender lands next.

Brazilian fans target Shiogai after the loss

Kento Shiogai's Instagram has been flooded by Brazilian supporters since the final whistle (3). The former NEC striker did not feature in the match. The posts appear to be a mix of mockery and trolling after Japan's elimination.

Zetterström draws interest after Japan debut

Jacob Widell Zetterström made his World Cup debut against Japan in the group stage, and it got attention. Wolves, Leeds, and Eintracht Frankfurt have all enquired about the Derby goalkeeper (5). No formal bids yet. His contract runs until summer 2027.

Fan-reaktioner

One fan on r/soccer spotted a strange pattern: since 2018, every team from Japan's World Cup group has been eliminated in the second round. Netherlands and Sweden in 2026, Spain in 2022, Colombia in 2018. It is a run that keeps giving Japanese supporters hypotheticals to chew on. See the thread.