Substitute Gabriel Martinelli pounced deep in injury time as Brazil beat a stubborn Japan 2-1 on Monday to roll into the World Cup last 16.

Arsenal winger Martinelli struck on 95 minutes in Houston to break Japanese hearts in the most dramatic fashion.

The five-time champions will face either the Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday after edging a captivating knockout encounter.

Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano scored a classy solo goal after 29 minutes following a Brazil mistake to stun the huge numbers of fans decked out in yellow.

Carlo Ancelotti's men hit back 11 minutes after half-time with a header from veteran Casemiro as Brazil dominated the second period.

Then up popped Martinelli right at the death, leaving some of their opponents in tears.

"I can't find the words to describe the joy in my heart. Seeing all those fans on their feet, my parents, my friends. I can't explain it," said the match-winner Martinelli.

History was against Japan: they had never won a knockout game at the World Cup while nobody has lifted the trophy more times than Brazil.

But this is not a vintage Brazil side, even with Ancelotti at the helm, while Japan had been talked of as dark horses.

Brazil are attempting to win football's biggest prize for the first time in 24 years. (AFP)



Edited by Raymond Yeung