Brazil kept their FIFA World Cup title hopes alive after Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic stoppage-time winner sealed a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Japan and booked the five-time champions a place in the round of 16.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side looked set for a shock exit after Japan took a deserved first-half lead through Kaishu Sano, whose powerful strike from the edge of the area came after he skipped past Casemiro with ease.

The goal left Brazil facing the prospect of an early elimination, but the South Americans responded after the break.

Casemiro, who had earlier squandered a golden opportunity to equalise, redeemed himself by rising highest to head home Gabriel’s pinpoint cross at the far post, restoring parity and lifting the spirits of the Brazilian supporters in Houston.

Brazil piled on the pressure in search of a winner, with Vinicius Junior coming agonisingly close after a dazzling solo run ended with a fierce effort that Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki brilliantly tipped onto the post.

Suzuki continued to frustrate the Brazilian attack with a series of outstanding saves, but he was finally beaten deep into stoppage time.

Gabriel Martinelli latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area and stabbed a low effort towards goal. Although Suzuki got a hand to the shot, he could only divert it onto the inside of the post before it trickled over the line, sparking wild celebrations among the Brazilian players and fans.

The dramatic victory sends Brazil into the round of 16, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Erling Haaland’s Norway.

For Japan, the defeat brought another heartbreaking end to an otherwise impressive campaign. The Samurai Blue have now taken the lead in each of their last three World Cup knockout matches but have gone on to lose all three, extending their wait for a first-ever victory in the knockout rounds of the tournament.