The 95th-minute goal conceded by Japan is historically even more cruel... The 'zero wins in World Cup knockout stages' curse remains unbroken

*This content was translated by AI.

Japan's dream of a first-ever World Cup knockout stage victory vanished once again. This time, it was even more cruel. Despite taking the lead against 'eternal favorites' Brazil, they conceded a heartbreaking winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time in the second half. Looking at World Cup history, this goal was even more painful for Japan.

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

Earlier, Japan advanced to the Round of 32 by finishing second in Group F of the group stage with one win and two draws (five points). However, their draw was unfavorable. Their first knockout opponent was Brazil. While some may say Brazil is not what it used to be, it is certain that Brazil is one of the tournament favorites. Japan ultimately could not overcome the massive wall that is Brazil.

As a result, Japan failed once again to achieve its long-held dream of a 'first World Cup knockout stage victory.' Including this tournament, Japan has advanced from the group stage five times in World Cup history. However, they have never won a single knockout match. They reached the Round of 16 in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, the 2010 South Africa World Cup, the 2018 Russia World Cup, and the 2022 Qatar World Cup, but failed to clear the first hurdle. Even in this North American World Cup, which features 48 teams, Japan collapsed in the Round of 32.

The day started well. Japan took a 1-0 lead thanks to a surprise first goal by Kai Shino (Mainz) in the 29th minute of the first half. However, Brazil counterattacked in the second half. In the 11th minute of the second half, Casemiro (Manchester United) headed in a cross from Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) to equalize. Japan appeared to be holding off Brazil's onslaught, seemingly eyeing extra time.

However, Japan collapsed at the final moment. In the fifth minute of stoppage time in the second half, Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) made a penetrating pass near the penalty box, and Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) did not miss the opportunity. Martinelli calmly shot toward the far post, shaking the net. Ultimately, Martinelli's winning goal completed Brazil's 2-1 comeback victory.

Historically, this was an even more cruel goal for Japan. According to Reuters, Martinelli's goal was the latest winning goal in regular time of a World Cup knockout match since 1966. Here, 'regular time' refers to the 90th minutes of the first and second halves plus stoppage time, excluding extra time. From Japan's perspective, had they held on just a little longer, they could have pushed the match into extra time and changed the flow, but they ultimately failed to clear the final hurdle.

Coincidentally, before Martinelli's goal, Japan was also the victim of the latest winning goal in regular time of a World Cup knockout match. It was the 2018 Russia World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. At that time, Japan took a 2-0 lead against Belgium but subsequently conceded consecutive goals to allow a 2-2 draw. Then, in the fourth minute of stoppage time in the second half, they suffered a comeback winning goal from Nacer Chadli and collapsed 2-3.

Eight years later, Japan wept again from a winning goal in stoppage time. This time, it was in a match where their first-ever World Cup knockout stage victory was within reach, making them the victim of the latest regular-time winning goal since 1966. The 'zero wins in knockout stages' cruel history remains unbroken once again.

In contrast, Brazil barely survived the crisis. Since their Round of 16 exit at the 1990 Italy World Cup, Brazil has achieved at least a quarter-final finish in every tournament. They won their fifth overall title at the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. Challenging to reclaim the world title for the first time in 24 years through this tournament, Brazil overcame the hurdle of Japan and advanced to the next round.

Reuters reported the atmosphere on the ground, stating, "After the match, Brazilian players and coaches hugged each other on the field. In contrast, Japanese players watched the scene as if they could not believe it."

The hero of the winning goal, Martinelli, said, "I cannot describe my emotions. I think it will take a little time for it to sink in. I thank God for allowing me to score today's goal." He added, "I am so happy for the team that poured everything into this. I am speechless."

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*This content was translated by AI.