Despite being hailed as the strongest in Japan's history, they were eliminated in the first round of the knockout stage again... 'A sea of tears' on the Japanese bench; Coach Moriyasu apologizes, saying, "I was not enough"

*This content was translated by AI.

Hajime Moriyasu (57), head coach of the Japan national football team, ultimately shed tears.

Japan's "Sponichi Annex" reported on the 30th that "Coach Hajime Moriyasu shed tears and apologized after the defeat against Brazil."

On this day, Japan took an early lead through a goal by Kai Shu Sano in the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup Round of 32 match against Brazil held at the Houston Stadium in Texas, USA, but conceded consecutive goals to Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli in the second half, ultimately losing 1-2.

As a result, Japan failed to advance past the first round of the knockout stage for the fifth consecutive time, from the 2002 Korea-Japan tournament through the 2010 South Africa, 2018 Russia, 2022 Qatar, and this tournament.

After the match, Coach Moriyasu took responsibility for the defeat. He said, "I was unable to bring victory to the fans. I am sorry that my capabilities as a coach were insufficient," while shedding tears. He added, "The players and staff have devoted themselves to valuing the process every day. It is regrettable that the tournament ends here."

After the match, Coach Moriyasu drew attention by individually hugging and comforting the players who were sobbing.

On this day, Japan took the lead against the powerhouse Brazil, aiming for an upset. From the early stages of the match, Japan, which focused on tight defense, finished the first half on a high note by scoring the opening goal with a surprise long-range shot by Kai Shu Sano, who intercepted a pass in the 30th minute.

However, they could not overcome Brazil's fierce counterattack in the second half. Brazil steadily tested the goal and equalized in the 11th minute of the second half with a header by Casemiro. Then, in the 5th minute of stoppage time, when an extension seemed likely, Martinelli scored a dramatic winning goal. Ultimately, Brazil secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory, and Japan's challenge came to an end.

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*This content was translated by AI.