Brazil booked a place in the World Cup last 16 with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over Japan, sealed by a late Gabriel Martinelli finish after the five-time champions were pushed to the brink by a disciplined Samurai Blue. Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who will face Norway or Ivory Coast in New Jersey on July 5, had to dig deep after a frustrating first half in which Japan combined relentless work-rate with compact defending to deny space between the lines. Japan struck first on 29 minutes. Kaishu Sano anticipated a loose pass from Danilo, drove directly at the retreating Brazilian back line and lashed a clinical effort beyond Alisson Becker, igniting the pockets of Japanese supporters in the stands. Hiroki Ito and his fellow defenders then threw themselves into blocks and interceptions as Brazil’s fluid front line searched for rhythm without reward before the interval. Whatever was said in the Brazilian dressing room worked. The Selecao emerged with urgency, pinned Japan back and leveled on 56 minutes when Casemiro ghosted to the far post and steered a precise header from a Gabriel Magalhaes cross into the corner. From there, Brazil found their stride. Vinicius Junior weaved through defenders only to see his low strike brilliantly tipped onto the upright by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in a defining save that briefly preserved parity. Extra time loomed as Japan continued to close passing lanes and spring counters. But Bruno Guimaraes found the decisive angle near the edge of the area, threading a clever pass into Martinelli’s path. The Arsenal forward took one touch and swept a sharp finish across goal to complete the turnaround and settle a tense contest late on. Japan can take pride from a near-flawless first half of discipline and structure and from the spark provided by Sano’s opener. Brazil, meanwhile, showed the resilience and depth expected of serial contenders: Alisson’s composure after the early setback, Casemiro’s timing, Vinicius’s threat, and Martinelli’s cold-blooded end product. With knockout momentum building, Ancelotti’s team now turns attention to a last-16 showdown against Norway or Ivory Coast on July 5, confident yet aware that finer margins await in the rounds to come.