Japan’s painful World Cup knockout-stage history continued after a dramatic late defeat to Brazil, leaving the Samurai Blue searching for answers once again.
The Asian giants pushed five-time champions Brazil all the way on Monday but were eliminated after conceding a stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 defeat.
The result extended Japan’s frustrating record in World Cup knockout matches, where they are still waiting for their first victory after four attempts.
For the third consecutive tournament, Japan suffered the agony of losing after taking the lead in a knockout game.
Kaishu Sano gave Japan a dream start by putting them ahead in the 29th minute, raising hopes of another famous World Cup moment.
However, Brazil responded through Casemiro, who levelled with a header in the 56th minute before Gabriel Martinelli delivered the decisive blow deep into added time.
Despite the disappointment, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu insisted the team must continue building towards a future breakthrough.
“We were not able to achieve our goal this time but then we can aim for the next World Cup or maybe even one after that,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said through a translator. “We should work toward that goal, which is what we’ve been doing.”
Japan’s recent World Cup exits have followed a painful pattern. In 2018, they led Belgium 2-0 before suffering a dramatic 3-2 defeat after a late goal.
Four years later in Qatar, Japan again held the advantage against Croatia before eventually losing on penalties in the round of 16.
Moriyasu admitted history has not been kind to Japan but believes the team can eventually change that story.
“I don’t think history would be gentle to us,” Moriyasu said. “But if we are to overcome today maybe we will see a time where history will change.”
Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a strong performance against one of the world’s best teams, making four saves, but Japan could not hold on as Brazil found the breakthrough at the final moment.
The defeat also highlighted how much Japan have improved against elite opposition. Their only victory over Brazil in 15 meetings came in a friendly, but Moriyasu believes the gap between the two nations is narrowing.
“The gap between us is closing now,” Moriyasu said. “Brazil is a top-tier team and we’re definitely approaching that level.”
Japan’s coach also reflected on the previous World Cup disappointment and called on his players to use the latest heartbreak as motivation rather than allowing it to define them.
Moriyasu revealed he urged his squad to remember the pain of the defeat and turn it into fuel for future success. He also accepted responsibility for falling short of the team’s ultimate ambition.
“To win the title was our dream and our goal and we couldn’t achieve that,” he said. “As a head coach I told them that I was really sorry that I was not good enough to lead them to that level to achieve that goal.”
For Japan, the search for a historic knockout victory continues, but Moriyasu believes the lessons from another painful exit can help the country take another step towards competing at the highest level.
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