TOKYO — Bleary-eyed fans in Tokyo struggled to come to terms with Japan’s World Cup exit after watching their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the early hours of Tuesday.
Japan took the lead in their last-32 clash against the five-time champions in Houston, but Brazil equalised before Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the 95th minute.
The goal knocked the stuffing out of the 200 or so fans who had gathered to watch a match that kicked off at 2:00 am. Japan time at a public viewing in central Tokyo.
Shigenobu Katsumura, wearing a blue Japan shirt and scarf, told AFP that he was proud of the team’s effort but disappointed by the manner of their defeat.
“To take an opponent like Brazil as far as that, you don’t know what would have happened if it had gone to extra time,” said the 55-year-old.
“There was still a chance, so to have that chance snuffed out is frustrating.”
Japan beat Brazil for the first time in a friendly in October last year in Tokyo and their supporters believed they could shock them again.
The time difference between the World Cup in North America meant fans in Japan were able to watch their team’s three group-stage games at a reasonable time, with most kicking off around breakfast time or even later.
Fans had to choose between setting an early alarm or staying up all night for the game against Brazil, which ended around 4:00 am local time.
“I’ve been up all night,” said 29-year-old office worker Noa Takagi.
“I’m going to go home and then go to work tomorrow. Oh no, it’s actually today. I’m going to work today, from 8:30.”
