Brazil2–1Japan

Japan did it again — or nearly did. Kaishu Sano, already carded in the 12th, lashed one from range on a counter in the 29th and Japan went into halftime with a one-goal lead. Brazil had the ball (69% possession) but Zion Suzuki stood between them and an equalizer: four saves, some of them outstanding — Vinícius twice, Cunha, Bruno Guimarães with a header. Paquetá hobbled off injured at the break; Endrick came on. The breakthrough came in the 56th: Gabriel Magalhães whipped in from the left and Casemiro headed it home from the six-yard box. 1-1. Japan made 45 clearances and held firm for 30 more minutes. Then Martinelli — only on since the 66th — met a Guimarães ball at the top of the box in the 90th plus five and rifled it into the bottom right. Brazil edge through.