Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed devastation after his team's 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the FIFA World Cup 2026, but insisted the gap between the two sides is steadily narrowing. Speaking after the match in Texas, Moriyasu acknowledged Brazil's status as a top-tier team while emphasizing Japan's progress.
Moriyasu on Japan's Growth
"The gap between us is closing now," Moriyasu told reporters, according to Reuters. "Of course, Brazil are a top-tier team, and we are definitely approaching that level. As a result, we were devastated. Of course, there is that kind of difference in our level, and we have to up our game. To compete at the top is a goal we all have."
Moriyasu stressed that gaining experience against elite opponents is crucial for Japanese football's development. "This is one of the strong points of the Japanese team," he said. "Having more players gain such experience will contribute to the growth of football in Japan."
Match Details and Comeback
Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic 96th-minute winner as Brazil mounted a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat Japan 2-1, securing a hard-fought ticket to the Round of 16 in front of a packed stadium on Monday (local time). Japan had stunned the five-time world champions in the first half when Kaishu Sano intercepted a loose ball deep inside his own half. Sano embarked on a brilliant 40-yard solo sprint before drilling a fierce strike past Alisson to make it 1-0.
Moriyasu's Tactical Message
Moriyasu revealed he encouraged his players to adopt a reset mindset during the game. "What I said to the players is to play as if we have gone back to 0-0," Moriyasu said. "Defending will lead to attack, and that is something I conveyed to the players."
Brazil's Round of 16 Path
With this win, Brazil advances to the Round of 16, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway on July 5 at the New York New Jersey Stadium. History heavily favours Brazil in this matchup. Across 15 meetings, the Selecao have won 12, with 2 draws and just a single loss. However, that one defeat looms large: months before this tournament, Japan pulled off a stunning 3-2 friendly win in Tokyo, their first ever against the South Americans.
