'Results are everything' - Kaishu Sano admits Japan's World Cup exit

Japan's World Cup journey has come to a heartbreaking end following a 2-1 defeat to Brazil. The Round of 16 clash appeared destined for extra time until Gabriel Martinelli struck a decisive blow in the sixth minute of stoppage time to secure victory for the Selecao.

Kaishu Sano, who had momentarily put the underdogs in front with a first-half strike, struggled to process the late exit. "I think results are everything, and I'm really disappointed because this team shouldn't have ended like this. But to be beaten like that at the very end makes me feel like we're not good enough, but what we've been doing isn't wrong. I think we can be proud of what we've built up," the midfielder said post-match.

Despite strong form in the group stage, where Japan drew with the Netherlands and defeated Tunisia, they could not overcome Brazil's vast experience. Casemiro's 56th-minute header provided the necessary equalizer to swing the momentum back toward the South Americans.

I think results are everything, and I'm really disappointed because this team shouldn't have ended like this. Kaishu Sano

Ko Itakura, acting as captain in the absence of Wataru Endo, admitted the premature exit was difficult to handle. "I never thought this team would end here," he stated. Japan's elimination leaves Australia as the final remaining Asian representative in the tournament.

For Brazil, the win was a massive scare, but it marked a historic milestone: Martinelli's goal is the latest winner in normal time for a World Cup knockout match since Opta began tracking records in 1966. Brazil now advances to the next stage, awaiting the winner of the Ivory Coast versus Norway fixture.