Soccer
Brazil vs. Japan player ratings: Which players rose to the occasion in last-32 battle?
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Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time winner completed Brazil's dramatic comeback as they edged Japan 2–1 to reach the World Cup round of 16.
Trailing to Kaishu Sano's counter-attacking strike, Brazil pounded Japan's goal with aerial deliveries until Casimiro headed home the equaliser in the 56th minute.
Bruno Guimarães then threaded the pass that found Martinelli between defenders for the decisive goal in the 90+5' minute, extending his tournament-leading assist tally to four.
DAZN News rates each set of players and our player of the match:
Brazil vs. Japan Player of the Match
Bruno Guimarães (Brazil)
Controlled the tempo throughout and delivered the precise through ball that created Martinelli's stoppage-time winner.
Brazil vs. Japan Player Ratings
Brazil
Alisson (6.6): Limited action but stayed alert to deny Ueda's second-half effort.
Danilo (6.4): Costly misplaced pass led to Japan's opener; delivered crosses in attack.
Marquinhos (6.9): Composed in possession and marshalled the defensive line throughout.
Gabriel (7.6): Delivered the precise left-footed cross for Casimiro's headed equaliser.
Douglas Santos (7.0): Provided consistent width and combined well with Vinicius Junior.
Casimiro (8.0): Headed home the equaliser after being denied twice by Tomiyasu.
Bruno Guimarães (8.6): Controlled tempo brilliantly and assisted the stoppage-time winner.
Lucas Paquetá (6.2): Limped off at half-time after limited first-half involvement.
Rayan (7.3): Grew into the match with dangerous crosses from the right flank.
Vinicius Junior (7.2): Constant threat but denied by Suzuki's fingertip save onto the post.
Matheus Cunha (6.5): Forced an early save from Suzuki but faded before substitution.
Endrick (7.0): Injected energy after half-time and stretched Japan's defensive line.
Gabriel Martinelli (8.3): Scored the stoppage-time winner with a composed right-footed finish.
Fabinho (6.3): Entered late and helped Brazil see out the final moments.
Danilo (6.0): Minimal involvement after coming on in the 98th minute.
Japan
Zion Suzuki (7.5): Outstanding saves kept Japan in contention throughout the match.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (7.3): Heroic double goal-line clearance but was nutmegged by Vinicius Junior.
Shogo Taniguchi (6.8): Disciplined in the backline and won key aerial duels centrally.
Hiroki Ito (6.7): Contributed to organised defensive display from the left of the back three.
Ritsu Doan (6.6): Balanced defensive duties before substitution in the 66th minute.
Kaishu Sano (7.4): Scored a superb solo goal after intercepting Danilo's wayward pass.
Daichi Kamada (6.4): Disciplined positionally but booked before being substituted.
Keito Nakamura (6.5): Worked hard defensively on the left before exiting at 66 minutes.
Junya Ito (6.6): Provided pace on the counter and drew Casimiro's early booking.
Daizen Maeda (6.5): Led the pressing with tireless running but lacked service.
Ayase Ueda (6.4): Headed over from a corner and had a shot saved by Alisson.
Yukinari Sugawara (6.5): Helped stabilise the right side after coming on at 66 minutes.
Junnosuke Suzuki (6.0): Booked for fouling Danilo; struggled to contain Brazil's pressure.
Ao Tanaka (5.6): Lost possession in the build-up to Brazil's winning goal.
Shuto Machino (6.2): Limited time to make an impact after 78th-minute introduction.
Koki Ogawa (5.8): Entered in the 97th minute with no time to influence proceedings.
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