Brazil staged a dramatic stoppage-time comeback to defeat Japan 2-1, clearing a significant obstacle in England's potential route to the World Cup final. Japan had taken a first-half lead through Kaishu Sano, but Brazil responded with goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli to snatch victory.
Japan's Early Lead Shocks Brazil
Japan stunned Brazil by taking the lead just before the half-hour mark through Kaishu Sano. The Mainz midfielder fired a low, accurate finish into the bottom corner from distance after Brazil carelessly surrendered possession near the halfway line. The goal came moments after the widely criticised hydration break, catching Carlo Ancelotti's side cold.
Brazil's Second-Half Comeback
Brazil equalised just over ten minutes into the second half when former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro thundered home a header at the far post from a dangerous Gabriel cross. With the match heading for extra time, Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes teed up Gabriel Martinelli deep into added time to clinch victory at the last gasp.
England's Potential Quarter-Final Opponent
The Three Lions could now meet Brazil in the quarter-finals in Miami, should they overcome the victor of Ivory Coast versus Norway in the round of 16. Thomas Tuchel's men are scheduled to take on DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1 in their opening knockout fixture after winning Group L with victories over Croatia and Panama, plus a draw against Ghana.
England's Path to the Final
Should England overcome DR Congo, they will meet either Mexico or Ecuador in Mexico City in the last 16 on July 6, which could present a challenging test given the venue's altitude. The Three Lions would then take on one of Brazil, Norway or the Ivory Coast in Miami on July 11, following Japan's elimination from the tournament.
Should England progress past the quarter-final, Argentina are likely to stand between them and a place in the final on July 15, barring any significant shocks in that section of the draw. Lionel Messi and his team-mates face Cape Verde in their round of 32 fixture, with a match against the victor of Australia versus Egypt awaiting in the last 16.
Reigning Champions' Path
The reigning world champions would then meet one of Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia or Ghana in the quarter-finals. The showpiece final is scheduled for July 19 at the Met Life Stadium in New Jersey.
England Prepared for Knockout Pressure
England are well aware they may need to navigate penalty shootouts during the knockout phase, and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is prepared for whatever comes their way. "It ramps up now, doesn't it?" he said when asked about the looming knockout stages. "It's a proper phase of football. One game at a time."
"There are lads who have won Champions Leagues, lads who have been in youth tournaments with England. Everyone knows the pressure of it and I think that is where you will see us thrive."
"We've got our goal. You take it step by step, you work on the training pitch you keep that enjoyment and keep that fun environment, but once you're training, you're working, you take the messages in and for me that's the glue really."
