Japan took the lead through Kaishu Sano on 29 minutes, capitalising on a sloppy pass, and held it into the second half before Casemiro powered in a header on 56 minutes to level. VinĂcius JĂșnior hit the post before Martinelli â who came off the bench â delivered the decisive finish deep into stoppage time, played in by Bruno GuimarĂŁes to curl beyond the goalkeeper.
Martinelli was emotional afterwards, speaking about the goal and what it meant to be able to contribute for the national team.
"I can't find the words to describe the joy in my heart," he said. "Seeing all those fans on their feet, my parents, my friends... I can't explain it. After hitting the woodwork, I knew I'd get another chance. I honestly don't have the words. I'm just happy I was able to help the team, whether I'm playing on the left or through the middle. The most important thing is helping the team."
Ancelotti was measured in his assessment, detailing his thinking during a tense second half.
"We didn't lose our patience, we had a lot of resources on the pitch and on the bench," Ancelotti said. "Japan isn't an easy opponent, it's very organised and intense. I was saving Neymar for the extra time. He was going to enter the pitch on minute 105 if we hadn't scored the second goal. I didn't want to change the structure because the team was playing well."
Brazil advance to the round of 16, where they will face the winner of Norway against Ivory Coast. Japan, who gave a disciplined and organised account of themselves, depart after coming agonisingly close to one of the great World Cup upsets.