Brazil’s Gabriel Martinelli scores their second goal, Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas, US, Jun 29 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Pedro Nunes)
An unprecedented wave of late-game goals has lit up The Round of 32 so far!
Gabriel Martinelli netted the game-winner deep into stoppage time to the relief of the soccer mad South-American nation.
Japan pushed the Selecao to their limits before The English Premier League champion came off the bench to spare his nation the agony of extra-time and penalties.
Here are the top 5 performers from one of the most dramatic games of The Round of 32:
(5.) Kaishu Sano (Japan)
The defensive midfielder for Bundesliga club Mainz 05 intercepted a misplaced pass from Danilo near the halfway line, running unchallenged toward the box, and unleashing a superb powerful low shot from outside the penalty area into the bottom-left corner. His presence in midfield made the game difficult for experienced stars like Casemiro who have certainly lost a yard of pace.
(4.) Zion Suzuki (Japan)
The unbelievable 23-year-old goalkeeper became a national hero during the 2026 World Cup battle. Suzuki recorded 5 massive saves under immense pressure (especially in the second half), notably making a brilliant finger-tip save in the 57th minute after Vinicius Junior received the ball, nutmegged Takheiro Tomiyasu, and danced his way past multiple defenders into the penalty area.
(3.) Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil)
The Newcastle United midfield general showed why he is currently wanted by the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal. The former Lyon star controlled the midfield tempo flawlessly and delivered the brilliant assist that found the match-winning feet of Gabriel Martinelli.
(2.) Gabriel Magalhaes(Brazil)
The Arsenal centre-back was solid over 90 minutes and played a crucial role in fueling his country’s fightback. He stepped up to pick up a loose ball at the edge of the box and delivered a brilliant, pinpoint cross to assist Casemeiro’s equalising header in the 56th minute.
He will no doubt be fired up for his re-union with familiar foe, Erling Haaland when Brazil meets Norway in the Round of 16.
- Casemiro (Brazil)
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star was officially voted the best player of the match. Not only did he net an equalizer, he logged 91 touches, finished with an 89% passing accuracy, and added 8 defensive contributions.
To finally secure their elusive sixth title, Ancelloti must rotate his star studded attack seamlessly and keep the team emotionally calm in difficult moments that will inevitably come at the FIFA World Cup.
