Brazil Survive Japan as Germany and Netherlands Crash Out!
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Author: Lin Khona
In Brief
Brazil recovered from a first-half deficit to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston, with Casemiro equalising before Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner. Morocco advanced after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, while Paraguay produced the night’s biggest upset by eliminating Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Brazil will face Norway or Ivory Coast in the Round of 16, Morocco will play Canada, and Paraguay will meet France or Sweden.
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- Brazil survived a major scare in Houston after Japan took a first-half lead through Kaishu Sano.
- Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled before half-time but improved after the break, with Casemiro heading in the equaliser in the 56th minute.
- Gabriel Martinelli, introduced as a second-half substitute, scored deep into stoppage time to complete Brazil’s comeback.
- Japan defended impressively for long periods, with goalkeeper Zion Suzuki making several important saves, but their wait for a first World Cup knockout win continues.
- Brazil will face either Norway or Ivory Coast in the Round of 16.
- Morocco also advanced after beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Monterrey.
- Cody Gakpo had given the Dutch the lead before Issa Diop forced extra time with a stoppage-time equaliser.
- Ismael Saibari scored the decisive penalty for Morocco, who will now face Canada in the Round of 16.
- Paraguay delivered the night’s biggest upset, holding Germany to a 1-1 draw before winning the penalty shootout.
- Julio Enciso opened the scoring for Paraguay before Kai Havertz equalised for Germany in the second half.
- Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved two German penalties before Jose Canale converted the decisive spot kick.
- Germany lost a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time, extending their run without a World Cup knockout win since the 2014 final.
- The night turned into a bruising one for Europe, with Germany and the Netherlands both leaving the tournament after penalty drama.
- Brazil move on, but not with the smooth authority usually expected of the five-time champions. Japan pushed them to the edge before Martinelli rescued the night.
- Morocco’s win keeps one of Africa’s strongest contenders alive and sets up a lively Round of 16 tie against Canada.
- Paraguay’s reward is a meeting with either France or Sweden, while Germany face another round of painful questions after a third straight disappointing World Cup campaign.