Casemiro hails Brazil’s composure after late comeback sinks Japan and seals World Cup last-16 place

• Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 and book a place in the World Cup round of 16.
• Casemiro said patience and composure proved decisive after Japan threatened a major upset.
• Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Casemiro and Lucas Paquetá will be assessed after both picked up injuries.

Casemiro praised Brazil’s composure after the five-time world champions recovered from a goal down to beat Japan 2-1 and avoid one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Brazil looked on course for a shock elimination after Kaishu Sano’s first-half strike gave Japan the lead in their round-of-32 clash. It raised the prospect of Brazil suffering their first competitive defeat against Asian opposition and their earliest World Cup exit since failing to progress beyond the group stage in 1966.

However, Brazil responded after the break through Casemiro before Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time to complete the turnaround and send Carlo Ancelotti’s side into the round of 16, where they will face either Norway or Ivory Coast in New Jersey on July 5.

Casemiro credited Brazil’s patience for turning the tie around against a disciplined Japanese defence.

“The victory was about our calm and our patience in pressuring and pressuring a team playing a low block,” Casemiro said.

“This was the most important aspect, believing that calm would see a time when we would score.

“We were fighting all game and had possession so we knew we would get chances. Japan are really organized in defence, but we were really good in the second half and won the match.

“I am so happy. So many people celebrating this. I am so proud and we are moving forward.

“We look forward to the round of 16, but right now, we have to rest and think we have four matches to go.”

The victory came at a cost for Brazil after both Casemiro and midfielder Lucas Paquetá were forced off with injuries during the match.

Head coach Ancelotti said the pair would undergo further assessment before a decision is made on their availability for the next round.

“We’ll have to see tomorrow,” Ancelotti said.

“It was a very demanding match.”

Martinelli’s decisive goal was only his fourth in 25 appearances for Brazil and completed an emotional evening for the Arsenal forward, who admitted the moment would take time to process.

“I don’t even have the words to describe the joy in my heart at seeing the Brazilian people so happy about our qualification,” Martinelli told Caze TV.

“My family, my wife, my parents, my friends, I can’t even begin to explain what I’m feeling right now.

“I think it’ll take a while for it to really sink in.

“The other day, I hit the post. I knew I’d get another chance, and thank God I managed to score the goal that secured our qualification.

“I’m very happy with everyone’s performance. They all gave it their all.”

Brazil will now turn their attention to the round of 16, where they remain on course for another deep run as they continue their pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup title.