Brazil secured a narrow 2-1 comeback victory over Japan in Houston, clinching the result with a winner in the sixth minute of injury time. Japan, still searching for its first-ever knockout match win at a World Cup, initially took the lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano’s low strike past goalkeeper Alisson. Brazil leveled the score in the second half when Casemiro headed in at the far post, becoming Brazil’s second-oldest World Cup scorer at 34 years and 126 days. The winning goal was secured by Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli after Japan conceded possession near its own penalty box. Brazil is now set to face the winner of the upcoming match between Ivory Coast and Norway.
In a shock to the tournament, two European heavyweights were eliminated during a roller-coaster day of knockout action. Paraguay delivered the biggest upset so far, defeating four-time champion Germany 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. This represented the first time Germany has ever lost a World Cup penalty shootout, having succeeded in four previous attempts. Julio Enciso had given Paraguay the lead in the first half, but Kai Havertz equalized for Germany in the 52nd minute. To celebrate the achievement, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña declared a national holiday. Paraguay will now face the winner of the round of 16 match between France and Sweden in Philadelphia.
Morocco also claimed a massive victory, eliminating three-time finalist the Netherlands on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 72nd minute for the Dutch, who recently navigated personal tragedy as Gakpo and his partner lost their unborn child. Issa Diop equalized for Morocco in stoppage time, and after a chaotic penalty shootout featuring several misses, Ismael Saibari scored the decisive goal to send his team to the round of 16. Morocco is scheduled to face Canada in Houston this Saturday.
The tournament continues with intense competition, including matches between France and Sweden, Ivory Coast and Norway, and Mexico against Ecuador. France, Argentina, and Mexico remain the only teams to have won all three of their group stage matches. Tournament favorites France look to leverage the form of stars Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, while co-host Mexico prepares for a high-stakes environment at the Estadio Azteca. Fans continue to look toward the knockout rounds as the remaining teams fight to advance in the tournament.
