Martinelli saves Brazil as Paraguay stun Germany on penalties

Brazil survived a scare to edge past Japan in stoppage time, while Paraguay stunned four-time champions Germany on penalties in Boston.

Brazil 2-1 Japan 

Japan nearly pulled off the upset of the tournament. Kaishu Sano gave the Samurai Blue a surprise lead in the 29th minute, capitalising on a slack Casemiro pass and finishing calmly past Alisson.

Japan’s compact defensive block held firm for most of the second half, frustrating a Brazilian side that dominated possession without creating much.

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Carlo Ancelotti’s men were bailed out by their captain, Casemiro powering home a header from close range in the 56th minute, before substitute Gabriel Martinelli curled in the winner in the 96th minute after being played in by Bruno Guimarães.

Brazil will face the winner of Norway versus Ivory Coast in the Round of 16. It is the third successive time Japan have taken the lead in a World Cup knockout match and failed to advance. 

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Germany 1-1 Paraguay (Paraguay win 4-3 on penalties) 

Germany are out. Paraguay eliminated the four-time world champions after a penalty shootout at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a shock lead with a header in the 42nd minute before Kai Havertz equalised eight minutes after half-time. Germany dominated throughout – outshooting Paraguay 21-7 – but goalkeeper Orlando Gill made six saves to keep his side alive.

Jonathan Tah thought he had won it in extra time, but his header was ruled out by VAR for a foul on Gill. In the shootout, Gill saved from Havertz and Nick Woltemade, while Tah skied his attempt over the bar. José Canale converted the winning kick to send Paraguay through.

Paraguay face the winner of France versus Sweden next.