Stephen Eustaquio's injury-time strike sent co-hosts Canada into the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time, as Gabriel Martinelli's late winner rescued Brazil from a shock defeat to Japan.
Canada's victory was sealed in the second minute of added time, with Eustaquio scoring a dramatic winner against South Africa.
“Co-hosts Canada reached the last 16 for the first time, while Brazil came from behind to beat Japan.”
In Houston, Brazil faced an even stiffer test. Kaishu Sano had set hearts racing by opening the scoring for Japan just before the half-hour mark, waltzing past Casemiro before firing a low shot from 20 yards past Alisson.
Brazil's inevitable push came early in the second half. Bruno Guimaraes had a header denied, and the Japanese defence somehow kept out Casemiro from close range. But the ex-Manchester United midfielder would not be denied for long, heading home an equaliser at the back post shortly before the hour mark.
Vinicius Jr almost scored one of the great solo goals of the tournament, weaving through the Japanese defence, only for Zion Suzuki to produce a strong left hand and deflect his shot onto the post.
Carlo Ancelotti turned to Gabriel Martinelli late on, and the Arsenal star showed perfect composure to finish in the fifth minute of added time, sending Brazil through.
The pressure on Brazil is always immense. Their wait for a World Cup triumph now stands at 24 years. They turned to Ancelotti in a bid to add European smarts, but the Italian was facing one of the great modern shocks at half-time.
Brazil have often fallen at the quarter-final hurdle, losing in the last eight in four of the last five tournaments. Going down in the round of 32 would have shattered hearts on Copacabana. Instead the dream is alive, even if there are flaws, particularly in midfield. Casemiro as the holding midfielder left them in danger of being overrun. Japan exposed that before the opener.
But Casemiro has not lost his ability to come up with goals.
For Canada, the historic win ensures they will appear in the knockout stages for the first time as co-hosts. For Brazil, the hope is that their forward-line quality can cover for the cracks.