Everton striker Richarlison scored two late goals as Brazil beat Saudi Arabia 3-1 to finish top of Group D, with Cote d’Ivoire second after holding Germany to a 1-1 draw.
In Group B, South Korea beat Honduras 6-0 to qualify as group winners while New Zealand drew 0-0 with Romania to finish second on goal difference.
Brazil looked set to be held to a frustrating draw when a header from Saudi Arabia defender Abdulelah Al-Amri cancelled out Matheus Cunha’s early opener at the Saitama Stadium.
However Richarlison, who hit a hat-trick in Brazil’s opening group game against Germany, edged them ahead again with 14 minutes remaining before sealing the win in stoppage-time.
Germany needed to beat Cote d’Ivoire to make it through, but fell behind midway through the second half when Benjamin Henrichs put the ball into his own net while attempting a tackle in the six-yard box.
Eduard Loewen levelled with a free-kick six minutes later to set up a frantic finish, but despite piling on the pressure Germany could not find a winner.
Meanwhile, Egypt will play Brazil in the quarter-finals after a 2-0 win over Australia secured second place in Group C ahead of Argentina, who could only draw 1-1 with group winners Spain.
Spain, who end with five points from their three group games, face in the quarter-final.
-NATION
