Brazil vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights. (AP Photo)
Brazil came from 1-0 down to beat Japan 2-1 in an entertaining FIFA World Cup Round of 32 fixture at the Houston Stadium. Brazil were given a bit of a reality check by Japan in the first half of the Round of 32 match between the two sides in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Houston Stadium on Monday. Japan led the five-time champions 1-0 at half time, with Kaishu Sano scoring the decisive goal.
It was a different story in the second half though. Brazil came out all guns blazing with Ancelotti’s half-time move of bringing on Endrick for Lucas Paqueta working wonders. Casemiro scored the equaliser. And then the winner was scored in stoppage time by another substitute – Gabriel Martinelli who had replaced Matheus Cunha in the second half.
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SCROLL DOWN FOR HIGHLIGHTS OF BRAZIL VS JAPAN, FIFA WORLD CUP ROUND OF 32 FIXTURE:
Brazil and the Netherlands will feel the noose more. Brazil have exited early only in the inaugural 1930 edition and 1966, while the Netherlands haven’t missed Round of 16 ever. (AP Photo)
One is a tactical duel between two of the smartest teams on either side of the Mediterranean. The other is a meeting between Asia’s most sophisticated football project and the sport’s greatest superpower. And almost hidden behind those heavyweight ties is another intriguing subplot: co-hosts USA and Canada have landed precisely the draw they would have wished for.
The World Cup has finally reached the point where every mistake will be terminal. After the group-stage, for some, the arithmetic is over. The safety nets have disappeared. Brazil and the Netherlands will feel the noose more. Brazil have exited early only in the inaugural 1930 edition and 1966, while the Netherlands haven’t missed Round of 16 ever. READ MORE
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