"I have no words to describe the joy," says the match hero in the victory interview.
Brazil started the match in Houston, Texas, better, but never managed to create any good scoring chances.
Instead, it was Japan who took the lead. The Brazilians were sloppy in their build-up, and midfielder Kaishu Sano stole the ball, drove forward and then placed it in the far corner, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Brazil came out even stronger in the second half - and then it was 1-1. Centre-back Gabriel delivered a perfect cross that Casemiro headed in.
A couple of minutes later, Vinicius Júnior had a shot hit the post.
For a long time it looked like the match would go to extra time, but in the 95th minute Gabriel Martinelli stepped up, making it 2-1 and sending Brazil to the round of 16. They will face the winner between Norway and Ivory Coast.
"I'm very proud to see all the Brazilians happy. I gave everything," says Gabriel Martinelli.
But despite the victory, Carlo Ancelotti's team suffered two serious injuries; both midfielders Lucas Paquetá and Casemiro were unable to complete the match.
– It was a very demanding match. We have to examine the players tomorrow and then we will see. But we have many skilled players on the field and on the bench. We have players who maintain a high individual level, says the national captain.
