Brazil narrowly avoided a historic World Cup upset by securing a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Japan to book their place in the round of 16. After Japan took a surprise first-half lead courtesy of a brilliant solo goal by Kaishu Sano, the five-time world champions fought back. Midfielder Casemiro restored parity with a powerful header before Gabriel Martinelli scored a stunning 96th-minute winner deep in stoppage time.
