Japan scores first on counterattack in first half

Brazil nets two second-half goals to advance

Brazil celebrates after defeating Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. [AP]
Brazil celebrates after defeating Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. [AP]

Japan, which had set its sights on winning the World Cup, was eliminated in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America after falling to Brazil.

The Japanese national team lost 2-1 to Brazil in a round-of-32 match held Tuesday morning Korean Standard Time at Houston Stadium in Texas. Brazil, the most decorated nation in World Cup history with five titles, advanced to the round of 16 and kept its championship bid alive.

Brazil struggled in the early going. The Brazilians dominated possession in search of a goal but could not easily break through Japan's compact defensive block, which lined up five defenders in a tight flat line.

Instead, it was Japan that struck first. In the 29th minute, Sano Kaishu intercepted a pass from Brazil's Danilo near the center line, drove forward alone and finished to give Japan the lead. It was the only shot on target among Japan's four first-half attempts.

Brazil responded at the start of the second half by bringing on Endrick, a forward born in 2006, for Lucas Paquetá. The pressure paid off in the 56th minute, when Casemiro headed home a cross from Gabriel Magalhães delivered from the left side of the penalty arc to level the score.

Japan then deepened its defensive shape and looked to hit on the counter, while Brazil pressed forward but could not find a second goal. With the match seemingly headed for the tournament's first period of extra time, the decisive moment came in the 95th minute, when Martinelli fired a right-footed shot from the center of the penalty box to complete the comeback.


yeongdai@heraldcorp.com