Japan v Sweden, World Cup 2026
Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in their Round of 32 game at Houston Stadium. The Blue Samurai were the better side in the first half but Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti changed tactics and personnel at the break going much more aerial and direct.
Kaishu Sano stole a misplaced pass in midfield and fired home to give Japan the lead. Casemiro equalized with a header header from a Gabriel Magalhães cross and Gabriel Martinelli won the match for Brazil deep into stoppage time from a pass by Newcastle's Bruno Guimarães.
Lineups
Japan (3-4-2-1): GK: Zion Suzuki; DF: Hiroki Ito, Shogo Taniguchi, Takehiro Tomiyasu; MF: Keito Nakamura, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano, Ritsu Doan; FW: Daizen Maeda, Junya Ito, Ayase Ueda
Coach: Hajime Moriyasu.
Brazil (4-3-3): GK: Alisson Becker; DF: Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos; MF: Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá; FW: Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti.
Goals: Kaishu Sano (29'); Casemiro (56'), Gabriel Martinelli (90+6').
Yellow cards: Casemiro, Danilo; Kaishu Sano, Daichi Kamada, Junnosuke Suzuki
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
Attendance: 68,777
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