Gabriel Martinelli scored the latest winning goal in World Cup knockout history as Brazil edged past Japan 2-1 in the last 16. The Arsenal forward's stoppage-time strike, timed at 95 minutes exactly, surpassed Francesco Totti's penalty for Italy against Australia in 2006, which came at 94 minutes and 26 seconds.
Match drama in Houston
The clash in Houston was one of the most thrilling games of the tournament. Japan took the lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano burst through midfield and slotted home. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti rallied his side at half-time, and Casemiro equalised just before the hour with a header, redeeming himself after being criticised for Japan's goal.
Brazil pushed for a winner and found it deep into stoppage time. Martinelli, who came off the bench, produced a smart finish to book Brazil's spot against Norway or Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals.
Record-breaking goal
Martinelli's strike at 95m 00s is the latest ever winning goal scored before extra time in a World Cup knockout match. The previous record was held by Francesco Totti, who scored a penalty for Italy against Australia in the 2006 round of 16 at 94m 26s. Martinelli said: 'We were fighting all through the game, we wanted to keep ball possession. At some point we know we would get close to goal. Japan close the defence really nice but we did a good job, really controlled the match and finally generated the winning opportunity.'
Emotional reaction
Speaking after the match, Martinelli added: 'It represents so much. My whole family watching, my friend at home, our people celebrating. I'm so elated and really proud and it gives us confidence to move forward. We have to keep our feet firmly on the ground and good things can happen.' On Caze TV, he said: 'I don't even have words to describe the joy in my heart seeing the Brazilian people happy with the qualification. My family, wife, parents, my friends... I can't even explain what I'm feeling right now. I think it will only sink in after a while.'
Casemiro's perspective
Casemiro, who scored Brazil's equaliser, said: 'I think it was about our calm and our patience and pressuring and pressuring a team that was playing a very low block. We believed the time would come, our confidence and our pressure were key for this match. I feel many emotions right now. When you score a goal you ask God to light you at that moment. It's really a lot of emotions at the same time. You have to really value the entire group. Martinelli with the winning goal. That's the path to win the World Cup, you have to value the group.'
