Brazil scored in stoppage time in the second half and defeated Japan 2-1. (Image: Getty)
England’s path to the World Cup final became clearer after Brazil crushed Japan’s dreams and snatched a come-from-behind victory in stoppage time. The Three Lions looked to be hoping for a big boost after Japan took an early lead and left the Selecao open to elimination.
Just after a widely criticized hydration break, Kaishu Sano’s first-half strike gave the underdogs the advantage just before the 30th minute. The Mainz midfielder sent a low, accurate finish from long range into the bottom corner, sending Brazil into a cold run as they carelessly gave the ball away near the halfway line.
However, Brazil struck back just over 10 minutes into the second half, with former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro heading home at the far post after a dangerous cross from Gabriel. Newcastle United star Bruno Guimarães then teed up Gabriel Martinelli deep in stoppage time and scored in a last gasp.
The Three Lions could face Brazil in the quarter-finals in Miami if they beat the winner of Ivory Coast vs. Norway in the Round of 16. Thomas Tuchel’s side are scheduled to face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their first knockout match in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1, after winning Group L with wins over Croatia and Panama and a draw with Ghana.
If England win against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they will face either Mexico or Ecuador in the last 16 in Mexico City on July 6, which could be a difficult test given the altitude of the venue.
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After Japan was eliminated from the tournament, the Three Lions will face either Brazil, Norway or Ivory Coast in Miami on July 11.
If England beat either Brazil, Norway or Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals, barring a major shock in that section of the draw, Argentina will likely stand a chance of making it to the July 15 final.
Lionel Messi and his teammates will face Cape Verde in the round of 32, before facing the winner of Australia vs. Egypt in the last 16.
Gabriel Martinelli scored Brazil’s winning goal in the closing stages. (Image: Getty)
The reigning world champions will face Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia or Ghana in the quarter-finals. The highly anticipated final is scheduled for July 19th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
England are well aware that they may have to avoid a penalty shootout in the finals, and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is ready for whatever happens.
“It’s exciting now, isn’t it?” he said when asked about the looming knockout stage. “This is the right phase of football, one game at a time.
“We have players who have won the Champions League and players who have represented England in youth tournaments. We all know the pressure of that and I think that’s where you’ll see us improve.”
“We have goals. Take it one step at a time, work on the training pitch, keep that fun, keep that fun environment. But once you start training, you do the work and you buy into the message. That’s really the glue for me.”
