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The Economic Times
The Economic Times

FIFA World Cup 2026: Martinelli's 96th-minute stunner rescues Brazil, shocks Japan in thriller

Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic 96th-minute winner as Brazil mounted a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat Japan 2-1, securing a hard-fought ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 in front of a packed stadium on Monday (local time).

Japan stunned the five-time world champions in the first half when Kaishu Sano intercepted a loose ball deep inside his own half. Sano embarked on a brilliant 40-yard solo sprint before drilling a fierce strike past Alisson to make it 1-0.

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