Martinelli's Injury-Time Strike Sends Brazil Past Japan as Guimaraes Hails Substitute Star

Brazil edged past Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, with Gabriel Martinelli proving the unlikely match-winner from the substitutes' bench at Houston Stadium.

The Arsenal winger came on for Manchester United's Matheus Cunha in the 66th minute and made an immediate impact when he fired home in the fifth minute of injury time, sending the Brazilian contingent into raptures.

Japan had stunned the favourites by taking the lead through Kaishu Sano on 29 minutes, but Casemiro—departing Old Trafford this summer—levelled matters with a 55th-minute header from Gabriel Magalhaes's back-post delivery.

The decisive moment came when Brazil regained possession near the Japan area, allowing Guimaraes to thread a pass through to Martinelli, who took a touch before finishing past the post.

Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes, himself a summer target for Arsenal, was effusive in his praise following the final whistle. Speaking to ESPN Brazil, the 25-year-old waxed lyrical about his substitute teammate's contribution.

"We believed until the end," Guimaraes reflected. "They were very compact; it was very difficult to get through. The coach asked us to put pressure on the area. It's the team spirit, the group spirit. It's great that the player who came off the bench secured our qualification. Martinelli is sensational, I'm very happy."

The plaudits continued to flow on social media, with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior posting: "You Deserve It Bro!!!" Meanwhile, Arsenal and Brazil teammate Gabriel Magalhaes responded to Martinelli's Instagram post with "Giant Brother!"

Martinelli himself acknowledged the magnitude of the moment, telling Caze TV: "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."

The 25-year-old revealed that manager Carlo Ancelotti had been coaching him on playing centrally, a role he doesn't typically occupy at club level. "At Arsenal, I don't play that position, but I can," Martinelli explained. "The manager has been talking to me about how I can play in that role, playing centrally. I'm happy to help the team regardless of the position."

Describing his goal itself, Martinelli added: "I went to block for Gabi, and I think their full-back elbowed me, but it was worth it. I knew I would have another opportunity and thank God I managed to score the winning goal."