"My mistake caused Japan's elimination" — Too distraught for mixed zone interview... Daigo Tanaka consoled even by Brazilian players

*This content was translated by AI.

Japanese midfielder Daigo Tanaka (Leeds United), who made a fatal mistake just before the end of the match that led to a goal, shed endless tears.

The Japanese national team, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, suffered a 2-1 comeback defeat against Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 at Houston Stadium in Texas, USA, on the 30th (Korean time). As a result, Japan's World Cup journey ended in the first knockout round match.

Earlier, Japan advanced to the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group F of the group stage, recording one win and two draws (five points). However, the draw was unfavorable. Their next opponent was Brazil, the "eternal favorite." Ultimately, Japan bowed their heads.

Japan has advanced past the group stage in the World Cup five times, including this tournament, but has never won a single knockout match. They reached the Round of 16 in the 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022 tournaments but failed to pass the first knockout round in all of them. Even in the North American World Cup held with 48 teams, Japan collapsed in the Round of 32.

The match began well for Japan. They took a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute of the first half thanks to a surprise goal by Kaise Sano (Mainz). However, they conceded an equalizer to Casemiro in the 11th minute of the second half and, in the sixth minute of stoppage time, suffered a heartbreaking comeback goal from Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal).

The goal was particularly painful for Japan's "number 7," Daigo Tanaka. He was substituted in during a 1-1 tie to change the flow of the game, but instead, he made a decisive mistake in the final moments. After successfully defending near the left side of the penalty box, Japan attempted to launch a counterattack. However, Tanaka lost possession of the ball he had just secured under pressure from the opponent, and this moment immediately led to Brazil's comeback goal. Martinelli calmly received a pass from Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) and shook the net.

Japan's comeback defeat came for the first time since the 2024 AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal match against Iran in February 2024, two years later.

After the elimination, Tanaka blamed himself for his mistake. Japanese media Sports Hochi reported, "After the match, Tanaka was so shocked that he could not say a word. Following the defeat against Brazil, Tanaka wept without caring about the gaze of others. In the post-match mixed zone, he was unable to speak due to the overwhelming shock. His eyes were bloodshot red."

Sports Hochi also conveyed the somber atmosphere of the Japanese team through another report. The media stated, "As soon as the whistle blew to end the Brazil match, Japanese players were overwhelmed with regret and emptiness. Some players collapsed on the field, while others shed tears. Tanaka, who made the mistake leading to the goal, and Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), who could not participate in the knockout match due to injury, wept without caring about the gaze of others. The eyes of Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truiden), who showed all-out defense, were also bloodshot red."

Even Brazilian players consoled Tanaka, who was overwhelmed with disappointment. UK TalkSport reported, "Leeds midfielder Tanaka lay on the field crying after Japan's heartbreaking World Cup elimination. Matheus Cunha was seen comforting Tanaka, a fellow English Premier League (EPL) player."

The media continued, "Tanaka lay on the field crying with his face covered, and was later helped up by teammates and opposing players. Even before broadcast cameras focused on Tanaka crying within the Japanese team, he had already received comfort from several Brazilian players."

TalkSport added, "Cunha, along with Neymar and substitute goalkeeper Weverton, tried to comfort Tanaka, but it had little effect."

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*This content was translated by AI.