Martinelli's injury-time goal sends Brazil through

Gabriel Martinelli popped up with a 96th-minute winner to help Brazil come from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in the last 32 of the World Cup.

The winger was introduced off the bench to ultimately decide the game and secure the Selecao’s passage to the round of 16, as he showed great composure in stoppage time to score his first competition goal in his second finals.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side found themselves behind at the break when Kaishu Sano put the Samurai Blue in front in the 29th minute, but Brazil levelled 11 minutes after the restart when a fantastic cross by Gabriel allowed Casemiro to head in at the back post.

With the game hanging in the balance, Martinelli was sent on to double the Arsenal involvement in Houston, and he provided a dramatic conclusion when it mattered most.

A goal made in the Premier League saw Bournemouth’s Rayan win back possession on the edge of the box and find Bruno Guimaraes, and the Newcastle United captain threaded an inch-perfect pass into the feet of Martinelli. He took a touch before ruthlessly sliding the ball past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, and saw the ball kiss the post before nestling in the net.

After the game, he said: "I don't even have words to describe the joy that is in my heart right now, to see all the Brazilian people happy with the qualification, all my family, I don't even have a way to explain what I'm feeling right now. I was talking to my family. The other day I hit a ball against the post, I knew I would have another opportunity. Thank God today I managed to score the winning goal."

It was Gabi’s fifth international goal on the occasion of his 26th cap, while Gabriel is now up to 21 caps, having started all four World Cup games so far.

Both can add to their tallies on Sunday when Brazil will now face either Norway or the Ivory Coast in the next round, meaning our duo could face Martin Odegaard and guarantee Arsenal representation in the quarter-finals.

Kai Havertz was also in action for Germany, scoring the equalising goal of their match against Paraguay, which Germany would go on to lose on penalties after drawing 1-1 in 90 minutes.

After Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a 42nd-minute lead, Havertz was the man to reduce the arrears when he headed in a cross from Florian Wirtz. Our forward was unfortunately one of three German players to miss a penalty in the shootout as, after Jonathan Tah had a goal ruled out for Germany in extra-time, Paraguay produced a surprise result.

After the game, Kai said: “I’m speechless. My second World Cup, and we’ve messed up for the second time. The last few tournaments were a disaster. The only thing I can say is I’m sorry. We players need to take a long, hard look at ourselves. We’re playing for a huge country with a rich football history."

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