World Cup 2026: Victory over Japan but loss of two important players!
Although Brazil managed to turn the tables and come back to win the match after trailing by a clean goal from the first half, things in the end did not go as the Brazilian national team's coaching staff had hoped.
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The Brazilian team managed to turn the game in their favor in the end after Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal for Brazil in stoppage time, ending the dreams of the Japanese.
The match cost Brazil important players!
In stoppage time, Casemiro was forced off after feeling discomfort, with Fabinho replacing him in the 93rd minute.
The injury adds to concerns for Brazil ahead of the knockout stages. Casemiro remains a key figure in midfield, responsible not only for breaking up play but also for maintaining the team’s balance in high‑pressure matches.
He was not the only Brazilian to leave the pitch early. Lucas Paquetá had already been substituted at half‑time, leaving the squad with growing fitness concerns as they prepare for the next round. The coaching staff will be hoping both players recover in time, but the timing could not be worse. Brazil’s depth will be tested, and the loss of either player would be a significant blow to their World Cup hopes.