HOUSTON: Brazil survived a World Cup last-32 scare when they fought back to beat Japan 2-1 after Gabriel Martinelli squeezed in a shot at the far ​post deep in stoppage time.

Brazil, who will next ​face Norway or Ivory Coast in New Jersey on July ⁠5, looked like they were headed to extra time in a match ​in which the five-times world champions struggled to break down a resolute Japanese ​side.

Japan’s Kaishu Sano stunned Brazil after 29 minutes when he intercepted Danilo’s misplaced pass before driving toward goal and rifling a shot past goalkeeper Alisson Becker to send the ​outnumbered Samurai Blue fans into delirium.

Japan put on a first-half defensive ​masterclass as they sucked up pressure with defenders flying around the pitch, breaking up ‌passes and ⁠closing down space any time a Brazilian player had the ball.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti must have said something at halftime as his players came out with a sense of urgency and created a number of chances, ​finding the reward ​when Casemiro nodded ⁠in a far-post header in the 56th minute from a Gabriel Magalhaes cross.

Vinicius Jr’s mazy run ended with ​Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki brilliantly pushing his shot on to ​the ⁠post and it looked like the match would head to extra time as Brazil searched for the winner.

Martinelli came to the rescue, however, to send ⁠Brazil into ​the round of 16 after Bruno Guimaraes ​received the ball on the edge of the box and slipped it through for the Arsenal ​forward to supply a sharp finish.

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