Brazil advanced to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston, completing a second-half comeback that underlined both the team's quality and its lingering vulnerabilities.

Japan strike first, Brazil respond

The Seleção dominated the opening period, pressing the Japanese defence relentlessly and generating a stream of chances — only to find Japan's backline equal to every threat. Against the run of play, Kaishu Sano punished a careless midfield error from Casemiro, firing in from distance to hand the Samurai Blue a surprise lead at half-time.

The interval brought a decisive tactical shift. Carlo Ancelotti withdrew Lucas Paquetá and introduced Endrick, shifting Brazil to a two-striker shape. The effect was immediate: Japan were pinned back, the transitional danger that had threatened Brazil in the first half evaporated, and the Seleção began to move through gears.

Casemiro atones, Martinelli seals it

Casemiro made amends for his earlier mistake with a thumping header in the 56th minute to level the scores. Ancelotti then sent on Gabriel Martinelli for Matheus Cunha, maintaining the attacking intensity as Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu responded with a series of defensive substitutions.

Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a string of fine saves to keep the score level deep into the second half. Yet in the final minute, Bruno Guimarães — registering his fourth assist of the tournament — threaded a precise pass through for Martinelli, who finished with authority to win the match.

The defeat extended Japan's painful record in knockout football: they have now followed their late collapse against Belgium in 2018 and their penalty shootout exit to Croatia in 2022 with another agonising last-gasp loss.

Reason for optimism — and caution

Brazil's performance was far from flawless. Casemiro's giveaway was emblematic of a wider carelessness in midfield, the full-back positions continue to look unconvincing, and the team remains vulnerable to counter-attacks. One win over Japan does not erase those concerns.

Yet the character shown in the second half — the tactical flexibility, the clinical finishing, and the collective determination — suggests this squad is capable of going deep in the tournament. With Vinícius Júnior and a sharpening attack causing problems for every side they face, Brazil find themselves three wins away from a first World Cup Final since 2002, and within sight of a record-extending sixth world title.