Brazil beats Japan 2-1, Lucas Paquetá injury clouds next round

Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in the World Cup round of 16 match in Houston, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the decisive goal in added time after a Casemiro header had levelled the game at 1‑1. The victory sends the Selecão to the quarter‑finals, where they will meet the winner of the Ivory Coast‑Norway match, likely Norway.

During the game, midfielder Lucas Paquetá suffered a thigh injury. Team doctors ruled him out of the upcoming quarter‑final and warned he could miss the rest of the tournament, a significant blow for Brazil’s midfield options as they advance.

Brazil’s win and Paquetá’s injury were reported by Polish media covering the tournament.