HOUSTON/FOXBOROUGH/MONTERREY, JUN 30 (IANS): Brazil advanced to the pre quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2 1 victory over Japan in Houston on Monday, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage time strike. The Round of 32 clash appeared destined for extra time after both sides were locked at 1 1 deep into added minutes, but Martinelli’s precise finish in the final minute sealed Brazil’s passage and sparked jubilant celebrations among their supporters.
Japan had stunned the five time champions by taking the lead in the 29th minute. Kaishu Sano capitalized on a defensive lapse, intercepting an under hit pass and surging into space before firing home a right footed shot for his first international goal. The Samurai Blue held firm through the first half, frustrating Brazil and raising hopes of a historic knockout round win.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side regrouped after the break, aided by the introduction of substitute Endrick. Brazil pressed relentlessly, and their persistence paid off in the 56th minute when Casemiro rose to head in Gabriel Magalhaes’ pinpoint cross, leveling the score. Vinicius Junior nearly put Brazil ahead soon after, only to be denied by the fingertips of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and the woodwork.
Brazil dominated possession with 55 percent and registered 19 shots, seven on target, compared to Japan’s five attempts and two on target. Despite Japan’s spirited defense and counterattacking threat, the Seleção’s pressure intensified as the match wore on. In stoppage time, Rayan won the ball high up the pitch and fed Bruno Guimarães, who threaded a clever pass to Martinelli. The Arsenal forward delivered a low right footed finish that beat Suzuki via the post, crushing Japanese hopes.
The Houston Stadium, awash in yellow, erupted as Brazil confirmed their resilience and attacking depth. The victory underscored their ability to recover from setbacks and highlighted Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments. Brazil now heads to New York for their next challenge, continuing their quest for a record sixth World Cup title. For Japan, the defeat was heartbreaking after a brave performance, leaving their dream of a first knockout round triumph still unfulfilled.
Germany knocked out by Paraguay on penalties to reach last-16
Paraguay knocked out four-time champions Germany with a wild penalty shootout (4-3) win after the two teams were tied at 1-1 in regulation time in the Round of 32 match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 here at Boston Stadium on Tuesday.
Germany had never lost on penalties at the FIFA World Cup. After being down and out seemingly, Manuel Neuer got them back on level terms, only for Paraguay to finally seize their third spot-kick shot at reaching the last 16.
Julio Enciso put La Albirroja ahead in the 42nd minute. The Germans used their own aerial prowess to equalise with Kai Havertz diverting Florian Wirtz’s cross into the bottom corner. After another header, from Jonathan Tah, was ruled out, the tie went to a shootout.
Gill repelled two penalties in it to leave the Paraguayans all but through, only for Manuel Neuer to inspire a remarkable fightback. Finally, with what was the third spot-kick the Paraguayans had to progress, Jose Canale kept his cool to send Gustavo Alfaro’s charges through.
Germany started the penalty shootout but immediately found themselves on the back foot when Kai Havertz hit his spot-kick straight at the Paraguay goalkeeper. Mauricio capitalised on the error by burying his shot into the corner, though Joshua Kimmich quickly responded for the Germans, hesitating before confidently converting his effort.
Gustavo Gomez then struck well to put Paraguay ahead 2-1, only for Jamal Musiala to level the score at 2-2 with an effortless finish. The drama intensified as Matias Galarza successfully converted to put Paraguay on the brink of victory after Nick Woltemade’s subsequent effort for Germany was saved.
However, the four-time champions clung on as Antonio Sanabria saw his potential match-winning strike repelled, allowing Nadiem Amiri to step up and coolly make it 3-3.
With a second chance at glory dangling before Paraguay, veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer delivered another clutch moment to keep Germany alive by denying Fabian Balbuena. Yet, the South Americans would not be denied a third time, as Jose Canale stepped up and buried his decisive effort to spectacularly knock Germany out of the tournament.
Morocco break Dutch hearts in penalty shootout to reach last-16
Morocco booked their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands here at Monterrey Stadium on Tuesday.
After 120 minutes of intense tactical battle ended 1-1, the Atlas Lions held their nerve from the spot to win 3-2 on penalties and continue their remarkable World Cup journey.
It’s the Dutch that made the breakthrough when Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. A wonderful run and off-balance touchback across the face of goal from Crysencio Summerville to tee up Gakpo, who swept home.
Gakpo now has become the joint-second top goalscorer, with six goals, for the Netherlands at the World Cup. He sits behind only Johnny Rep, who scored seven between 1974 (four goals) and 1978 (three goals).
But, there was late drama as Morocco struck back with a 91st-minute leveller when central defender Issa Diop found himself in an advanced position to head home substitute Chemsdine Talbi’s cross at the start of additional time.
An absorbing 120 minutes in Monterrey failed to produce a regulation or extra-time winner in a match of ebbs and flows. For the second straight fixture, penalty kicks were needed to split the teams.
During the penalty kicks, both nations missed one of their first two attempts, scored their third and then missed the fourth. That meant it was sudden death, where Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville’s shot, and Ismael Saibari converted his to win it.
There, Yassine Bounou became the hero in the shootout, saving from Summerville after both teams missed twice from the spot before Saibari converted the decisive penalty to book a Round of 16 clash with World Cup co-hosts Canada in Houston on July 5.
Match Schedules
England Vs DR Congo
July 1 (9: 30 pm)
Belgium Vs Senegal
July 2 (1: 30 am)
USA Vs Bosnia-Herzegovina July 2 (5:30 am)