Japan Eliminated by Brazil After Comeback, Keisuke Honda Cites Player Ability Gap

2026 World Cup Key News

(CNA Tokyo, June 30) In the World Cup Round of 16, the Japanese team was defeated by Brazil 1-2 after a comeback, failing to advance. Former Japanese international Keisuke Honda, serving as a commentator for NHK's broadcast, could not hide his disappointment. He remained silent for about 15 seconds after Brazil scored the winning goal in stoppage time, and stated directly that while Japan's overall tactics were nearly perfect, the real gap lies in individual player ability.

According to a report by Japan's "Daily Sports," Honda appeared today wearing a symbolic bright red suit jacket for the Japanese team. Speaking about facing the super-strong opponent Brazil, he said, "We had to face an opponent like this sooner or later, and I hoped Japan could pull off a 'giant killer' miracle."

In the 30th minute of the match, Kai-shu Sano scored the opening goal with a long-range shot. Honda excitedly exclaimed at the time, "Incredible!" "Incredible! Wow! One wow! Two wows! Three wows! Fourth one? Still wow!" he exclaimed repeatedly, unable to contain his excitement.

However, Brazil launched a fierce counterattack in the second half and scored the winning goal in stoppage time, ultimately preventing Japan from breaking through the Round of 16 threshold.

When Japan was overtaken, Honda was momentarily speechless, remaining silent for about 15 seconds. He continued to encourage the team, hoping for an equalizer in the final moments, but couldn't help but sigh, "How many minutes left? About 1 minute? Sigh, what's going on."

After the final whistle, he stated, "Although it's frustrating, the players really did their best."

Honda also spoke about his old teammate Yuto Nagatomo, saying, "He has always been an important leader supporting the team, and now he is passing the baton to the next generation."

Regarding facing Brazil in the first knockout round, Honda admitted, "The players probably wouldn't say this, but I can say that the draw was really unlucky this time."

Honda analyzed that Japan's tactics and overall game content were almost perfect. However, in the second half, Brazil increased their pressure, moving Vinicius Junior, who had been playing centrally in the first half, to the wing for breakthroughs, which gradually disrupted Japan's defensive matchups. The team was constantly pulled to the flanks, their physical exertion increased, and they were ultimately unable to hold on.

He believes the real gap lies in individual player ability. "The overall team tactics were close to perfect, but fundamentally, the problem still lies in individual ability. Japanese players need to further improve their own strength."

Honda, who aims to become a head coach, reiterated his ambition, "I have always hoped to stand on the World Cup stage as a head coach one day. I know there are many areas where I need to improve and accumulate experience step by step. However, I am confident that as long as I continue to demonstrate my abilities and grow in all aspects, I will eventually get this opportunity." (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1150630

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