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[SPORTS] · Brazil, Japan, United States · 100 sources

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Brazil defeats Japan 2-1 to reach World Cup quarter‑finals

Brazil overturned a 1‑0 deficit against Japan in the round of 16 at Houston’s NRG Stadium, winning 2‑1 after Gabriel Martinelli scored in injury time. Casemiro headed the equaliser early in the second half, and Martinelli’s late strike sent Brazil into the quarter‑finals where they will meet the winner of the Ivory Coast‑Norway match.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti said the team was “prepared for everything – mind, heart, clear idea – and ready for any scenario in a knockout match.” He also noted the tactical impact of Matheus Cunha’s flexible positioning, saying “the position of Cunha gave us an advantage.” Neymar remained on the bench, with Ancelotti indicating his involvement would depend on the match context.

The victory prompted a surge in Brazilian bars and restaurants, which had prepared for higher lunch‑time traffic, with 80 % of operators expecting increased earnings. Local authorities in Feira de Santana altered bank and public‑service hours, instituting a single‑shift workday to accommodate the 14:00 kickoff. Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino praised the win as “just, earned in the second half,” while urging the team to avoid relying solely on individual brilliance.

Pre‑match analyses highlighted Japan’s disciplined, fast‑transition style and Brazil’s need to adapt defensively. The match attracted roughly 68,777 spectators, underscoring the global interest in the tournament.

Sources

3 months ago
3 months ago
Gazeta Notícias [gazetanoticias.com]
3 months ago