Japan’s wait for a first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory will continue after Hajime Moriyasu’s side suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Brazil despite producing one of their finest performances at the tournament.
The Samurai Blue looked on course for a famous upset after Kaishu Sano fired them into a deserved first-half lead, frustrating Brazil with disciplined defending and intelligent pressing. However, Casemiro equalised shortly after the restart before Gabriel Martinelli struck in the 96th minute to send the five-time world champions through to the Round of 16.
The defeat extends Japan’s unfortunate World Cup record. Having now reached the knockout rounds on five occasions, they have yet to progress beyond their opening elimination match, with their latest exit coming in agonising fashion after conceding in stoppage time.
The emotional scenes after the final whistle reflected the magnitude of the disappointment. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu gathered his players in front of the travelling supporters, bowed deeply and apologised for the elimination before reaffirming his belief that Japan can one day become world champions if they continue building towards that ambition. Players and staff remained applauding supporters for an extended period before leaving the pitch.
Japan nevertheless leave the tournament with considerable credit after pushing one of football’s traditional powerhouses to the brink. Their disciplined tactical approach, defensive organisation and fearless first-half display demonstrated the continued progress of Japanese football on the global stage, even if another painful knockout exit means their historic breakthrough must wait a little longer.