- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,192,400
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images attach
Brazil's Matheus Cunha took time out of his celebrations to console a heartbroken Ao Tanaka after Japan were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup -Credit:Etsuo Hara, Getty Images
Japan, perennial FIFA World Cup dark horses, have been eliminated from the tournament once again without securing a knockout stage victory.
The Japanese side fell 2-1 to Brazil in injury time on Monday, after a costly turnover from Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka deep in his own half gifted Brazil a 96th-minute Gabriel Martinelli winner.
Japan had taken the lead in the first half and appeared largely in command before a series of tactical adjustments from coach Carlo Ancelotti sparked a Brazilian comeback that ultimately proved decisive. Tanaka was left inconsolable, breaking down in tears on the field as Brazilian players celebrated around him in front of a jubilant crowd at Houston Stadium, as per The Mirror US.
- Australian soccer fans' anti-Donald Trump chant could spark World Cup controversy
- Uruguay out of World Cup as players forced to get commercial flights
You must be registered for see images attach
-Credit:MB Media, Getty Images
Manchester United and Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha, who had started Monday's game before being substituted early in the second half ahead of the Selecao's revival, broke away from his teammates' celebrations to comfort the devastated Tanaka.
Former Premier League and England defender Stephen Warnock, speaking live on BBC Radio, assessed the pivotal error.
"Japan has defended so well throughout this game, but Ao Tanaka makes an error, and this ball from Bruno Guimaraes just splits the defenders, and then Gabriel Martinelli has the presence to stun the first touch and send it in," he explained. "It's a moment of brilliance from Brazil in the most crucial time of the game."
Tanaka started Japan's last two World Cup games after being held back for the tournament's opening match. He was listed among the substitutes for Monday's game against Brazil. The 27-year-old similarly began the 2022 World Cup on the bench before making the starting eleven following the opening match.
To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE
Prior to his Leeds move, Tanaka plied his trade in Germany from 2021 through 2024. Cunha, likewise 27, spent time in Germany from 2018 to 2023 before transferring to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Martinelli's World Cup selection came as a shock following an Arsenal season in which he was demoted to a substitute position.
"It represents so much," he said of his moment. "My whole family is watching, my friend at home, our people are celebrating. I'm so elated and really proud, and it gives us confidence to move forward. We have to keep our feet firmly on the ground, and good things can happen."
Brazil will meet the victor of Norway-Ivory Coast in the Round of 16. The Selecao haven't advanced to the World Cup final since 2002.
Japan was eliminated in the 2022 Round of 16 by Croatia via penalties, having previously fallen in the 2018 Round of 16 to Belgium on a stoppage-time goal.
Continue reading...
