A stoppage-time goal from Gabriel Martinelli after a second-half equaliser helped Brazil snatch a 2-1 win over Japan and progress to the Round of 16 in Houston on Monday.

Martnelli was subbed in soon after Casemiro’s goal from a header in the 56th minute, replacing Cunha.

In their final group-stage match, Cunha had made way for Neymar Junior in the second half. But against Japan, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti chose the Arsenal attacker over Neymar.

His choice was vindicated at the end with Martinelli scoring the goal that sent them into the Round of 16.

After the match, Ancelotti explained his decision not to use Neymar in the knockout fixture.

“I was saving Neymar for extra time,” said the Italian coach. “I spoke with him, and if we hadn’t equalized, he would have come on in the 60th or 65th minute.

“But we equalized, and I didn’t want to change the team’s shape because we were controlling the match.”

Neymar had played a little over 15 minutes against Scotland and made a positive impression, creating a number of scoring opportunities.

Brazil will next face the winner of Ivory Coast and Norway in the Round of 16.