Leeds United favourite Ao Tanaka speaks on World Cup heartbreak and costly error | OneFootball

Ao Tanaka does not expect the frustration and remorse from his mistake to ease any time soon after Japan’s World Cup defeat to Brazil.

Japan lost 2-1 in Houston in the round of 32. Tanaka came on in the 77th minute with the score at 1-1.

He dispossessed Endrick but was then caught by Rayan, who fed Bruno Guimaraes to set up Gabriel Martinelli for a 95th-minute winner. He was in tears at full time as Manchester United and Brazil forward Matheus Cunha tried to console him.

"The frustration and remorse have been there, and I think that won't change going forward." "My ability was simply lacking."

He was speaking to Kyodo News.

"I really felt responsible for us conceding at that stage of the match. I can only wipe out the frustration felt at this World Cup at another World Cup, which is a special stage...I want to develop into a player who can match the world's top players."

Tanaka had impressed earlier in the tournament, shining in a 4-0 win over Tunisia and a 1-1 draw with Sweden, where he faced Leeds teammate Gabriel Gudmundsson.

Sweden later lost 3-0 to France in the last 32. Two Leeds players remain, with Brenden Aaronson’s USA beating Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the last 16, while Noah Okafor’s Switzerland face Algeria early tomorrow morning.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk