Brazil qualified for the World Cup Round of 16 on Monday by defeating Japan 2-1 in Houston, USA, in the second Round of 32 match.

Carlo Ancelotti's side overturned the result in added time, after starting the match behind due to Kaishu Sano's first-half goal. Casemiro equalized with a header in the 55th minute, and in the final moments, the "Verdeamarela" found the winning goal to secure their place in the next round.

Japan struck in the first half and went into the break leading 1-0. The goal came in the 29th minute through Sano, who carried the ball from midfield following a Japanese recovery. The Asian side surprised Brazil with an organized setup, pressing in their own half and capitalizing on one of their few attacking forays. Brazil, forced to react in the second half, controlled possession for stretches but could not translate their dominance into an equalizer before halftime.

Brazil responded immediately after the restart and leveled the score in the 55th minute. After persistent crosses into the Japanese box, Gabriel Magalhães sent a ball to the far post, where Casemiro rose with a header to beat the opposing goalkeeper and equalize.

Late Drama

After the equalizer, the five-time world champions maintained territorial dominance and continued generating chances to break the deadlock, while Japan retreated near their own area to hold on to the result. With minutes remaining in regulation time, the score remained tied 1-1.

The dramatic winner came in the 90+5th minute, when Gabriel Martinelli capitalized on a Japanese defensive error and scored the decisive 2-1 goal to seal the Brazilian comeback.

In the Round of 16, Brazil will face either Ivory Coast or Norway, who will meet on Tuesday in Dallas, USA.