Japan Lose to Brazil in Extra Time for Fifth Straight World Cup Knockout Exit

Japan were eliminated from the World Cup by Brazil in the 96th minute of their last-32 match, extending their record to five losses in five knockout-stage appearances. The result renews questions about whether Japan can break through to football's global elite, with Ange Postecoglou — currently a pundit at the tournament — among those to comment on their persistent barrier at this stage. Japan remain the only top Asian nation yet to win a World Cup knockout game, and five consecutive exits at this stage underlines a structural ceiling the country has not yet found a way through.