Gabriel Martinelli popped up with a 96th-minute winner to help Brazil come from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in the last 32 of the World Cup.
The winger was introduced off the bench to ultimately decide the game and secure the Selecao’s passage to the round of 16, as he showed great composure in stoppage time to score his first competition goal in his second finals.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side found themselves behind at the break when Kaishu Sano put the Samurai Blue in front in the 29th minute, but Brazil levelled 11 minutes after the restart when a fantastic cross by Gabriel allowed Casemiro to head in at the back post.
With the game hanging in the balance, Martinelli was sent on to double the Arsenal involvement in Houston, and he provided a dramatic conclusion when it mattered most.
A goal made in the Premier League saw Bournemouth’s Rayan win back possession on the edge of the box and find Bruno Guimaraes, and the Newcastle United captain threaded an inch-perfect pass into the feet of Martinelli. He took a touch before ruthlessly sliding the ball past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, and saw the ball kiss the post before nestling in the net.
It was Gabi’s fifth international goal on the occasion of his 26th cap, while Gabriel is now up to 21 caps, having started all four World Cup games so far.
Both can add to their tallies on Sunday when Brazil will now face either Norway or the Ivory Coast in the next round, meaning our duo could face Martin Odegaard and guarantee Arsenal representation in the quarter-finals.
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World Cup: When our Gunners are in last-32 action
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