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By Matthew Davis
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Japan pushed for history on Monday in an effort to become the first team ever to beat Brazil in the knockout round before the Round of 16.
Brazil ultimately prevailed 2-1 with a comeback from a 1-0 halftime deficit to win on a goal in extra time. Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu believes the match was a significant moment of progress for his national team, despite the Round of 32 loss at NRG Stadium in Houston.
“The gap between us is closing now,” Moriyasu told reporters afterward. “Brazil are a top team, but we are definitely approaching that level. There were moments when Japan were definitely controlling the game and the defense has become firmer than before. But if we are to beat these powerhouses we have to improve further.”
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Japan has made eight consecutive World Cups since 1998, when the country first made it. Brazil, meanwhile, is the gold standard of the World Cup with five championships, and the team has made the Round of 16 in every appearance.
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That said, Japan made Brazil sweat a little extra on Monday. Kaishu Sano scored for Japan in the 29th minute, and Japan held the lead for more than 26 minutes. Brazil equalized the game in the second half, 1-1, when Casemiro scored during the 56th minute.
Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made it tough for the Brazilians with four saves, as he faced six shots on goal overall. The Japanese also did a lot with very little — 31% possession and two shots on goal.
In addition, Japan didn’t catch Brazil on a down day. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti liked what his team did overall.
“This was by far the most complete game that we’ve played,” Ancelotti told reporters afterward. “We were not lost in the first half like (in the draw) against Morocco.”
Brazil had a 0-0 tie with Morocco to open group play in the World Cup, but Brazil had looked like a titan after that match. The Brazilians beat Haiti and Scotland by scores of 3-0 both times out, but Ancelotti emphasizes that it doesn’t go that way normally.
“You have to suffer, that’s part of it,”Ancelotti said. “There’s no novelty there. Suffering is part of the game, as is relief.”
Brazil can enjoy relief for a few days. As for Japan, anticipation awaits for the 2030 World Cup in Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
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