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In the North and Central American World Cup Round of 32, Brazil, the nation with the most titles, secured a dramatic comeback victory against Japan to advance to the Round of 16. Germany was eliminated in the Round of 32 after losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout.

Reporter Cho Min-ki has the story.

[Reporter]

Japan, which defeated Brazil in a friendly match last year, took the initiative in their World Cup clash as well.

In the 29th minute of the first half, Sano intercepted the ball in midfield, dribbled forward alone, and scored the opening goal with a surprise right-footed long-range shot.

Brazil took control in the second half following tactical changes by manager Ancelotti.

They shook Japan's defensive wall by shifting from short passes to cross-oriented attacks that switched the direction of play. In the 11th minute of the second half, Casemiro connected with a cross from Magalhaes on the left to score the equalizer with a header.

With momentum on their side, Brazil poured on shots but struggled with bad luck in front of the goal. However, they finally decided the match in stoppage time of the second half.

Guimaraes delivered a precise pass through the Japanese defense, and second-half substitute Martinelli scored the thrilling winning goal.

With a 2-1 comeback victory, Brazil advanced to the Round of 16, continuing their quest for a title 24 years after the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.

Japan was unable to break its tournament jinx—having failed to win a World Cup knockout stage match in five attempts—and left the pitch in tears.

Paraguay's Enciso scored the opening goal with an accurate header in the 42nd minute of the first half.

Germany's Havertz responded by scoring an equalizer with a header in the 9th minute of the second half.

The two teams remained deadlocked through extra time, and the match was decided by a penalty shootout.

With the score tied at 3-3, Germany's sixth kicker, Jonathan Tah, sent his shot over the bar, and Paraguay's Canale calmly found the back of the net to seal the victory.

Germany, which was eliminated in the group stage in 2018 and 2022, has ended its journey in this tournament in the Round of 32.

(Video Editing: Lee So-young)