7M - Brazil 2-1 Japan: Brazil edge Japan with last-gasp Martinelli winner to secure last-16 spot

Gabriel Martinelli netted the decisive goal in injury time at the Houston Stadium.

Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time as Brazil rallied from a goal behind to beat Japan 2-1 in a dramatic round-of-32 clash on Monday, keeping their dreams of a sixth World Cup title alive.

Martinelli's match-winning goal came in the sixth minute of added time.

Casemiro had earlier levelled the scores with a header in the 56th minute, courtesy of an assist from Gabriel Magalhães—just two minutes after missing a previous opportunity. That effort flew just beyond the reach of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki's outstretched hand and into the net.

Japan took the lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a wayward pass in midfield, drove forward, and fired a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty area.

Vinícius Júnior, who has scored four goals so far in this tournament, had a chance to put Brazil ahead in the 58th minute, but his left-sided box effort was deflected by Suzuki and struck the far post.

Casemiro was forced off in the first minute of second-half stoppage time with what appeared to be a leg injury.