Japan’s wait for a first FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory continued after a heart-breaking 2-1 defeat to five-time champions Brazil, marking the third successive tournament in which the Samurai Blue squandered a lead in the knockout rounds.

Kaishu Sano gave Japan the advantage in the 29th minute, but Brazil responded through Casemiro’s header in the 56th minute before Gabriel Martinelli struck the winner deep into injury time. Japan, who also suffered painful round-of-16 exits against Belgium in 2018 and Croatia in 2022 after leading, are still searching for their maiden knockout victory at the World Cup.

“We were not able to achieve our goal this time, but we can aim for the next World Cup or maybe even the one after that,” coach Hajime Moriyasu said. “If we keep working, maybe history will change.”

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Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made four saves to keep Japan in the contest, while Moriyasu praised his side’s progress despite the defeat. Japan have now beaten Brazil only once in 15 meetings, with two matches ending in draws. Their lone victory came in an international friendly last October. “The gap between us is closing,” Moriyasu said. “Brazil is a top-tier team and we’re getting closer, but we still have to improve.”

The coach urged his players to use the disappointment as motivation for the future and accepted responsibility for the result. “Winning the title was our dream, and we couldn’t achieve it. As head coach, I’m sorry I couldn’t lead them to that level,” he said.

Despite the defeat, fans who gathered near Tokyo Tower to watch the match in the early hours of Tuesday remained proud of the team’s performance. “I want to thank the players for never giving up, no matter how difficult the situation was,” fan Miyu Hashiguchi said.

Student Ryutaro Mori said Japan’s display against one of football’s strongest nations was encouraging. “It means a lot for Japan that we were able to score first against such a strong team,” he said.