Brazil, by the skin of their teeth and deep into stoppage time, get the job done.
Gabriel Martinelli’s last-gasp goal sends Brazil into the round of 16.
Japan, who once again fall at the first knockout-stage hurdle, are absolutely shattered.
Players in white are doubled over across the pitch, with Ao Tanaka, who gave the ball away in the lead-up to the winning goal, being consoled by teammate and opponent alike.
Brazil, meanwhile, are jubilant.
And with good reason – that second-half performance was excellent.
After a disappointing and tepid first 45 minutes, they came out with serious intent, with teen sensation Endrick injecting some much-needed urgency into the attack, and with Vini Junior finding space between the lines.
An equaliser always felt like it was coming, and it came sooner rather than later – Casemiro rising high at the back post in the 56th minute to cancel out Kaishu Sano’s sensational solo effort midway through the first period.
Japan’s wait for a knockout-round victory at a World Cup goes on.