Gabriel Martinelli stood on the field after the final whistle, trying to process what just happened. He had done it again. With Brazil staring down the possibility of extra time against a desperate Japan side in the World Cup Round of 32, the Arsenal winger found the back of the net in stoppage time. The 2-1 win Monday afternoon sent Brazil through to the next round and ended one of the tournament’s early Cinderella stories before it really got started.
Martinelli, who also appeared for Brazil in 2022, has been coming off the bench in this tournament and providing exactly the kind of spark the five-time champions need. Against Japan, he made the most of his minutes. His late goal didn’t just win the game. It crushed Japan’s hope for a historic upset.
Speaking after the match, Martinelli sounded like he was still in shock.
“I don’t even have the words to describe the joy in my heart at seeing the Brazilian people so happy about our qualification,” he told Caze TV. “My family, my wife, my parents, my friends — I can’t even begin to explain what I’m feeling right now.”
He acknowledged that the moment hadn’t fully hit him yet. “I think it’ll take a while for it to really sink in,” he said. “The other day, I hit the post. I knew I’d get another chance, and thank God I managed to score the goal that secured our qualification. I’m very happy with everyone’s performance — they all gave it their all.”
Japan pushed Brazil to the limit
Japan didn’t come to lay down. They fought hard, pressed the action, and came within minutes of forcing extra time. For a team that no one expected to go deep in this tournament, they gave Brazil everything they could handle. The Samurai Blue defense was organized. Their transitions were sharp. They made the Selecao earn every bit of that win.
But Brazil has a way of finding answers when it matters most. Martinelli’s goal in the dying moments was the kind of moment that defines a World Cup run. The kind that turns a squad player into a folk hero back home.
What’s next for Brazil
Brazil now advances to the Round of 16. Their opponent will be the winner of Ivory Coast vs. Norway. That game hasn’t been played yet, but Brazil will be watching closely. The Selecao’s next match is scheduled for July 5 at 4 p.m. Eastern.
If they keep getting contributions from guys like Martinelli off the bench, this team is going to be a nightmare for anyone they face. Depth wins tournaments. And right now, Brazil’s depth just bailed them out in the biggest moment of their tournament so far.
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