Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu was proud of his team despite the World Cup exit. Moriyasu’s team suffered a 1-2 loss against five-time champions Brazil at the Houston Stadium on Monday. The Japanese took a 1-0 lead after Kaishu Sano scored a brilliant individual goal from distance after Casemiro could not keep him at bay.

However, the experienced Brazilian midfielder, Casemiro, was able to redeem himself as he scored with a header in the 56th minute to equalise for his team. Brazil launched a wave of attacks on Japan after the half-time break and Casemiro’s goal was always on the cards.

In the dying minutes of the game, Gabriel Martinelli scored from inside the box to help Brazil go through to the round of 16.

Moriyasu said they can aim for the next World Cup or maybe even the one after that

“We were not able to achieve our goal this time but then we can aim for the next World Cup or maybe even one after that,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said through a translator. “We should work toward that goal, which is what we’ve been doing.”

In fact, Japan suffered a similar result in the same round in 2018 when they led Belgium 2-0 in the second half but lost 3-2 on a stoppage-time goal. Furthermore, the Samurai Blue had a 1-0 lead against Croatia in the round of 16 in the previous World Cup but eventually suffered a loss on penalties.

“I don’t think history would be gentle to us,” Moriyasu said. “But if we are to overcome today maybe we will see a time where history will change.”

“The gap between us is closing now,” Moriyasu said. “Brazil is a top-tier team and we’re definitely approaching that level.”

Japan is definitely rising through the ranks, and they can be a potent force in world football in the next four years.