Casemiro claimed Brazil have the squad to win the World Cup after surviving a major scare to edge into the round of 16 with a 2-1 win over Japan. The Asian giants went ahead thanks to Kaishu Sanos brilliant goal approaching the half hour mark and held that advantage until 11 minutes into the second half when Casemiro headed home.The game appeared to be heading for an extra 30 minutes only for substitute Gabriel Martinelli to prod home the winner five minutes into injury time.It was a deserved victory for the five-time world champions, who had 19 shots compared to Japans five, with seven on target.Martinelli was just one of several substitutes to make a positive impact for Carlo Ancelottis men and Casemiro feels their strength in depth puts them in a good position to go all the way.The teams greatest strength was our mindset, said the former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder who seems set to join Inter Miami this summer.We kept up the pressure in our attacking play. In a World Cup, it is crucial to value the players coming off the bench. Endrick came on and played very well today, Martinelli is another great player, and Rayan has been replacing Raphinha really well. Thats the spirit, and this is the squad to win the World Cup.Table of ContentsMartinelli admits joy in his heart after Brazil winnerJapan fade after bright startMartinelli admits joy in his heart after Brazil winnerFor Martinelli it was a moment to cherish, scoring his first goal for Brazil in a major tournament.The Arsenal forward said: I cant find the words to describe the joy in my heart. Seeing all those fans on their feet, my parents, my friends I cant explain it. After hitting the woodwork, I knew Id get another chance.I honestly dont have the words. Im just happy I was able to help the team, whether Im playing on the left or through the middle. The most important thing is helping the team.Brazil will play either the Ivory Coast or Norway in the next round in another stern test for Ancelottis team.The veteran Italian said: We didnt lose our patience, we had a lot of resources on the pitch and on the bench. Japan isnt an easy opponent, its very organised and intense.I was saving Neymar for extra time. He was going to enter the pitch on minute 105 if we hadnt scored the second goal. I didnt want to change the structure because the team was playing well.Japan fade after bright startDefeat was a sickener for Japan, who maintained their record of having never won a knockout game at the World Cup.Hajime Moriyasus tactics worked perfectly in the first half but they fell away badly after the break.He said: Im very disappointed that we have to leave the tournament at this stage, but the players gave their all today, as they did throughout the journey to reach this point. The coaching staff also worked tirelessly to support the players.Right now Im devastated after giving everything we had, but I want to accept this result and use it to become an even stronger team. Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Brazil National Football Team Japan National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Brazil 2-1 Japan: Martinelli scores 95th-minute winner to send Selecao into last 16 Nicholas McGee 29th June, 2026 Germany v Paraguay: Confirmed line-ups as Die Mannschaft eye last-16 spot Nicholas McGee 29th June, 2026 WATCH: Sano strikes to put Japan on course for World Cup shock against Brazil Nicholas McGee 29th June, 2026 LIVE Brazil v Japan: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as Ancelottis side face Asian giants Jon Fisher 29th June, 2026 Brazil v Japan: Confirmed line-ups as Selecao face Samurai Blue for last-16 place Nicholas McGee 29th June, 2026 Mexico v Ecuador: Line-ups, where to watch, stats and preview as co-hosts seek to end fifth game wait Nicholas McGee 29th June, 2026
