Japan fans devastated after World Cup defeat, Brazil fans console them

The Japanese national football team and their fans were left in tears after the country's World Cup exit in the 2-1 defeat to Brazil on Jun. 29.

Japan was just one step away from progressing past the knockout stage, only for Brazil to steal the win with a goal in stoppage time.

This is Japan's third consecutive time Japan has had the lead in the knockout round and lost, ESPN reported.

This also marks the fifth time Japan has been eliminated in the first round of the World Cup knockout rounds, 8world wrote.

Japan's dream dashed

After the final whistle, Brazil narrowly advanced to the Round of 16, with the stadium celebrating in cheers and hollers.

On the other end, several Japanese players were spotted immediately crying, collapsing on the grass, visibly unable to get up.

In the stands, Japanese fans were equally grief-stricken.

One 55-year-old fan said, "There was still a chance, so to have that chance snuffed out is frustrating," reported France 24.

One fan was caught on broadcast shouting and venting his emotions as he watched his team's elimination.

Despite their win, several Brazilian fans around him tried to comfort him, which many netizens called "true sportsmanship".

Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha was also seen breaking away from his teammates' celebrations to comfort the heartbroken Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka.

Despite another painful exit, ESPN reported that Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu remained optimistic about the team's progress against the football powerhouse.

"The gap between us is closing now."