Japan national team coach Hajime Moriyasu admitted his disappointment that his team's progress in the 2026 World Cup had to be halted prematurely.
The Blue Samurai were eliminated in the round of 32 after a dramatic 1-2 defeat by Brazil at Houston Stadium, United States.
"I'm very disappointed that we have to leave the tournament at this stage. However, the players gave their all today, just as they did throughout the journey to reach this stage," Moriyasu said, as quoted on the official FIFA website.
Japan actually looked promising, taking the lead through Kaishu Sano's first-half goal. However, Brazil turned the game around with goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli in injury time.
Moriyasu also expressed his appreciation to the entire coaching staff, who he said had worked tirelessly to support the players throughout the tournament.
"I'm really devastated right now after giving everything we had. However, I want to accept this result and use it as a lesson so we can become an even stronger team," said the 57-year-old coach.
The defeat ended Japan's run at the 2026 World Cup, while Brazil advanced to the round of 16 and will face the winner of the match between Ivory Coast and Norway.
