Japan's World Cup knockout curse—five appearances, all ending in elimination

Japan will play its fifth World Cup knockout match tomorrow. In the previous four, they were eliminated each time—losing 1-0 to Turkey in the 2002 Round of 16, losing on penalties to Paraguay in the 2010 Round of 16, losing 3-2 to Belgium in the 2018 Round of 16, and losing on penalties to Croatia in the 2022 Round of 16. Four losses, never advancing past the Round of 16.

But this time, Japan's goal is to "rewrite history." Captain Wataru Endo said in the pre-match press conference: "Brazil is the kingdom of football. We respect them, but we are not afraid of them. We want to prove that Japanese football has reached a new level."

Japan's defensive performance in this World Cup has been outstanding—conceding only 2 goals in three group stage matches, the best defense among all Asian teams. Kaoru Mitoma and Ritsu Doan are the team's two most threatening attacking sparks, and the impact from both wings will be Japan's greatest weapon on the counterattack.

If Japan can maintain its defensive intensity from the group stage and seize opportunities on the counter, they have a real chance to become the first Asian team to defeat Brazil in a World Cup knockout match. This would be not only a historic breakthrough for Japanese football but also a milestone for Asian football.

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