Japan suffer comeback loss to Brazil in World Cup knockout opener

2026-06-30

Sano puts Japan ahead in first half

Japan kept their shape compact from the outset and pressed aggressively from the front. Backed by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki of Parma, they held off Brazil's attacks, and in the 29th minute midfielder Kaishu Sano of Mainz intercepted a pass, drove through the middle and fired a shot from distance into the net. They went into halftime 1-0 ahead.

Brazil turn it around after the break

In the second half, Japan were pinned deep in their own half from the restart. Along with fine saves from Zion Suzuki, defender Takehiro Tomiyasu of Ajax also threw himself into the defence, but in the 56th minute they were pulled level by a header from midfielder Casemiro off a left-wing cross. In stoppage time, they conceded the winning goal to forward Martinelli.

Moriyasu praises the team's effort

After the match, coach Hajime Moriyasu said, 'It is disappointing that we have to leave the tournament here, but the players gave everything they had in today's match as well. I am frustrated now, but I want us to keep working so we can become even stronger again.'

This was the second time Japan had faced Brazil at a World Cup. They lost 4-1 in the group stage at the 2006 tournament in Germany, but had recorded their first victory in a friendly last October. The overall record is now Japan with one win, two draws and 12 losses.

Four years ago in Qatar, Japan impressed by beating Germany and Spain, both former World Cup winners. Moriyasu stayed on after the World Cup for the first time as Japan manager, and the rise in players plying their trade at European clubs also provided momentum, with Japan sealing qualification for the Asian final-round qualifiers with three matches to spare, the fastest in the world.

After wins over Brazil last October and England in March this year led them to be called the strongest Japan team ever, Takumi Minamino of Monaco and Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton were left out of the squad, while Wataru Endo of Liverpool withdrew with an injury shortly before the start. Even so, Japan finished second in Group F of the first stage with one win and two draws and advanced to the knockout stage for a third straight tournament.

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