*This content was translated by AI.
"The Japan national football team was eliminated in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup after losing to 'eternal favorites' Brazil. Hajime Moriyasu, head coach of the Japan national team, shed tears immediately after the match and conveyed his apologies to fans.
"Japan suffered a 2-1 comeback defeat against Brazil in the Round of 32 match held on the 30th (Korean time) at Houston Stadium in the United States. FIFA rankings place Japan at 18th and Brazil at 6th. Although Japan defeated Brazil 3-2 in a friendly match held in Japan last October, they bowed their heads in this rematch on the World Cup stage. This World Cup journey, which set 'victory' as its goal, came to an end in the first round of the tournament.
"The start was promising. In the 29th minute of the first half, a sharp long-range shot by Kai Shino (Mainz) broke the balance. It seemed to prove why they were considered the tournament's biggest dark horse. However, Japan conceded an equalizer to Casemiro (Manchester United) in the 11th minute of the second half and collapsed after conceding a heartbreaking winning goal to Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Possession was 31%-69% in Japan's favor, and the shot count showed a wide gap of 5-19.
"Japan, which had set winning the tournament as its goal ahead of this competition, could not overcome the 'misfortune' of facing Brazil in the first Round of 32 match. After the game, Coach Moriyasu said in a press conference, 'It is truly regrettable that we have to leave the tournament here.' He added, 'The players poured everything into today's match, and throughout the journey to get here, they cherished every step and did their best. The staff also worked devotedly.' He reflected on the tournament.
"With tears welling in his eyes, Coach Moriyasu said, 'I am very frustrated right now, but I want to accept the result. Many Japanese fans came to the stadium today, and many also cheered through the broadcast. However, I could not deliver victory as a gift. My ability as a coach was insufficient. I want to say I am truly sorry,' and apologized.
"Coach Moriyasu said, 'The next major tournament for the Japan national team is the Asian Cup. We will focus on winning that tournament,' seemingly hinting at the possibility of his reappointment. Coach Moriyasu was appointed head coach of the Japan national team in 2018 and has led the team through the 2022 Qatar World Cup and now the 2026 North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup. Locally, it is expected that the Japan Football Association will lean toward reappointing Coach Moriyasu, who led the team to advance from the group stage in two consecutive tournaments. If Coach Moriyasu takes the helm again, it will mark a '12-year long-term rule' system.
"However, since the tournament has just ended, contract renewal negotiations have not yet begun. Coach Moriyasu immediately clarified, 'Personally, nothing has been decided yet. We do not even know who will be the (next) coach.' He added, 'I said that because the next major tournament for the Japan national team is the Asian Cup. Nothing regarding my future has been decided yet.'
"Meanwhile, while Coach Moriyasu apologized in tears after the defeat against Brazil, Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korea national football team, left the airport as if fleeing, maintaining silence on the way home after the World Cup defeat. Coach Hong returned to Korea earlier in the morning before 4 a.m. through Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport along with Park Hang-seo, head of the World Cup support team, and eight players. South Korea was eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup.
"Coach Hong Myung-bo did not respond separately or bow his head to apologize despite the sharp reactions from fans at the venue, including strong booing and insults. He also remained silent to reporters' questions. Earlier, when he announced his intention to resign as the national team coach in Mexico, he did not answer reporters' questions and ended his two-year journey with the national team by reading a resignation statement of less than two minutes.
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*This content was translated by AI.
