Japan exit leaves Asia without a quarterfinalist

Japan's round of 16 exit to Brazil means Asia will have zero representation in the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2014 (1). The Samurai Blue had taken the lead through Kaishu Sano's first international goal, but a Vinícius Júnior equalizer and Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time winner sent them out at the same hurdle for the third straight tournament. With South Korea and Saudi Arabia also eliminated, the continent's four-year wait for a knockout breakthrough continues.