Loss to Brazil: Bayern Star Ito Eliminated from the World Cup | OneFootball

For Hiroki Ito, the World Cup is over. The FC Bayern defender put in a spirited performance against Brazil but ultimately had to accept a 1-2 defeat after conceding a late goal.

For Hiroki Ito, the dream of a World Cup title has been dashed. The FC Bayern center back played the entire match in the Round of 16 against Brazil but was unable to prevent the Japanese national team’s unfortunate elimination.

For a long time, Japan had the record-holding world champions on the brink of an upset. Kaishu Sano scored the opening goal in the 29th minute after a strong solo run, briefly sending shivers down the Brazilians’ spines. Ito and his defensive teammates then defended the lead with great determination and kept the Seleção in check for long stretches of the game.

Ito fought until the very end

After the break, however, Brazil noticeably increased the pressure. Casemiro of Manchester United equalized with a header in the 56th minute to make it 1–1, throwing the game wide open once again.

Japan fought with all its might against the looming defeat. Ito, too, put in a focused performance at center back and won numerous key duels. Just as everyone had resigned themselves to extra time, however, Brazil struck with clinical precision.

Gabriel Martinelli, who had come on as a substitute in the 66th minute, scored the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time to make it 2-1, dramatically ending Japan’s World Cup dream.

For Ito, the tournament thus comes to an end in the Round of 16 despite a courageous performance. Brazil, on the other hand, advances to the quarterfinals under former Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti following a hard-fought victory and will face the winner of the match between Norway and the Ivory Coast.