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Football can be cruel: Japan's coach reacts to World Cup exit against Brazil
🇬🇹 Guatemala /Sports

Football can be cruel: Japan's coach reacts to World Cup exit against Brazil

From Prensa Libre · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Japan's World Cup 2026 dream ended with a 2-1 loss to Brazil in the Round of 16 after a late goal.
  • Coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed pride in his team's performance despite the heartbreaking defeat.
  • Moriyasu urged his players to hold their heads high, emphasizing their inspirational journey in the tournament.

Japan's quest for World Cup glory in 2026 was cut short by a narrow 2-1 defeat to Brazil, concluding a campaign that saw them compete fiercely against a global powerhouse. The team was just minutes away from forcing extra time before a late Brazilian goal sealed their fate.

We were so close to achieving something truly special, and losing in the final moments is heartbreaking. But more than anything, I am proud of every single player. They gave their all for Japan.

— Hajime MoriyasuThe Japanese coach reflecting on his team's elimination after a late goal from Brazil.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu acknowledged the emotional toll of the loss, stating, "We were so close to achieving something truly special, and losing in the final moments is heartbreaking. But more than anything, I am proud of every single player. They gave their all for Japan."

They showed courage, discipline, and incredible character against one of the biggest footballing nations in history.

— Hajime MoriyasuMoriyasu praising his team's performance against Brazil.

Moriyasu highlighted his team's courage and discipline in facing one of football's giants. "They showed courage, discipline, and incredible character against one of the biggest footballing nations in history," he said. The locker room, he revealed, was filled with sadness and tears as players grappled with the dashed dream of advancing further in the tournament.

The locker room is full of emotion. There are tears because these players cared deeply. They dreamed of taking our country even further, and losing that dream in the final moments is something difficult to accept.

— Hajime MoriyasuDescribing the mood in the Japanese team's locker room after the match.

Despite the pain of elimination, Moriyasu offered a message of resilience and pride to his squad and the Japanese supporters. "I told them to keep their heads held high. One result does not define this team. What they achieved throughout this World Cup has inspired millions, and I hope they remember that when the pain begins to fade."

I told them to keep their heads held high. One result does not define this team. What they achieved throughout this World Cup has inspired millions, and I hope they remember that when the pain begins to fade.

— Hajime MoriyasuMoriyasu's message of encouragement to his players and fans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Prensa Libre in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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