Sano scores but Brazil end Japan's World Cup in stoppage time

Japan 1–2 Brazil: Sano's opener not enough

Your team is out. Brazil 2–1 Japan in the round of 32, and it came down to the 95th minute on Monday. Kaishu Sano scored his first international goal to put Japan ahead, but Casemiro equalised and Gabriel Martinelli won it deep into stoppage time (1) (13). Martinelli was bleeding by the end, he scored the latest winning goal in World Cup history (10). Japan pressed hard, created chances, and walked off knowing they were a breath away.

Ueda: 'We really had a chance to become world champions'

Ayase Ueda did not hide the pain. The Feyenoord striker, who had lit up this tournament, was devastated. "We really had a chance to become world champions," he said (3). That is not a throwaway line, Japan beat Tunisia 4–0, drew with the Netherlands, and pushed Brazil to the absolute limit. The belief inside the squad was real.

Moriyasu: the gap is closing

Manager Hajime Moriyasu used his post-match press conference to send a message. "The gap between us is closing now," he said, pointing to Sano, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ao Tanaka, and Zion Suzuki as proof (5). Moriyasu has now managed eight World Cup matches, more than any Asian coach in history. He was not making excuses. He was making a case.

Cunha and Neymar add salt

Matheus Cunha had a message for Kento Shiogai after the final whistle. Cameras caught him gesturing about Brazil's titles. Later he explained: "It's good to put him in his place" (11). Neymar was more direct: "Try again at the next World Cup" (14). Respect between the teams, but Brazil made sure Japan felt the weight of the occasion.

Casemiro named player of the match

Casemiro took the official MVP award for his midfield performance, including the goal that pulled Brazil level (15). His post-match press conference took a strange turn when a journalist asked him about Bangladesh. The Brazilian press was not impressed.

Fan-reaktioner

Japanese fans are hurting but proud. The image of Matheus Cunha consoling a heartbroken Ao Tanaka after the winner has been shared widely, with many noting the respect between the two sides despite the pre-match tension. Moriyasu's record as the Asian coach with the most World Cup matches has also been a point of discussion, a milestone that stings right now but will age well. See the full thread.