Honda: 'Japan lost due to gap in individual ability'
US. According to former star Keisuke Honda, Japan deployed near-perfect tactics, but lost to Brazil due to difference in individual ability in World Cup 2026 round of 16.
Honda joined Japan vs Brazil match as commentator on NHK BS channel. When referee blew final whistle, former AC Milan striker silent about 40 seconds before speaking. Watching many Japanese players cry, he said: "Very regrettable, but they played very well. No one can make excuses, because loss is loss. Still, team truly gave everything."
Yukinari Sugawara (2), left, tries to stop Brazil's Vinicius Junior (7) during Brazil vs Japan match in World Cup 2026 round of 16 in Houston, US on June 29, 2026. Photo: AP
About hour after match, Honda continued to praise Japan's performance. "I think team's play style, including tactics, was near-perfect," he commented.
According to 40-year-old former star, turning point came in second half when Brazil increased pressure and adjusted play style. Vinicius, who often cut inside during first half, was pulled wide to create breakthroughs. This change disrupted Japan's defensive system, causing marking positions to lose rhythm while players' stamina gradually declined.
"However, core cause lies in individual factor," Honda analyzed. "Team's operation was near-perfect, everyone played for collective. But if still cannot win, it shows football at peak is decided by individual ability. Players improved lot, but watching Vinicius's dribbles, I still feel gap with world's top stars. That is what Japan needs to improve."
*Japan scores opening goal.
At NRG Stadium in Houston on June 29, Japan played disciplined counter-attacking defense, opening score in 29th minute with diagonal long shot from Kaishu Sano. However, in second half, Asian representative lost stamina and lacked dangerous attacks. They let Casemiro head equalizer in 56th minute, and conceded second goal in 6th minute of added time from diagonal shot by substitute striker Gabriel Martinelli.
After 1-2 comeback loss, coach Hajime Moriyasu gathered players in circle on pitch. He said: "Hope you engrave this regret to continue growing. Success is good, but defeats must become motivation for Japanese football to develop. We failed to realize championship dream, failed to bring 'most beautiful scenery' as promised. As coach, I apologize for not leading everyone there. But in another way, players, coaching staff, and support team showed me most wonderful scenery. Thank you all."
Talk lasted about 3 minutes 40 seconds. For 57-year-old manager, image of players, assistants, and logistics team preparing meticulously for each match was "most beautiful scenery" he mentioned.
*Brazil equalizes 1-1.
This is not first time Japan fell in added time. In 1993, when Moriyasu was player, he and teammates missed World Cup ticket after Iraq's equalizer in added time of final qualifying match. That memory is still remembered by Japanese as "Agony of Doha".
After 32 years, Moriyasu led Japan through qualifiers with convincing form and played on equal terms against Brazil, but conceded deciding goal in second-half added time.
Japan also suffered significant squad losses at World Cup 2026. They missed attacking stars Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, and Takefusa Kubo due to injuries, while schedule with only three days of rest after final group match exhausted key players. Wingers Junya Ito and Ritsu Doan had to leave pitch mid-second half, causing Asian representative to lose counter-attacking ability and face continuous pressure from Brazil.
Moriyasu admitted losing many players affected team's play style. However, he still praised collective spirit. "Injuries clearly impacted team, but in that situation, many players showed right philosophy and spirit we pursue," 57-year-old coach said.
*Brazil seals 2-1 victory.
Despite failing to achieve championship goal, Japan's journey is still seen as positive step forward. Before World Cup, they defeated Brazil and England in friendlies, and drew with Netherlands in group stage opener. This was also first time Japan faced former world champion in World Cup knockout stage.
Moriyasu has not decided on his future. While the Japan Football Association is said to still highly value the coach's ability and may offer him to continue leading the national team, there are also opinions wanting Moriyasu to transition into a managerial role within the executive apparatus. If he leaves the team, U21 coach Go Oiwa is considered a bright candidate to succeed him.
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