Ao Tanaka reflects on World Cup heartbreak after mistake in Japan defeat to Brazil | OneFootball

Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka says the frustration and remorse will not fade quickly after the mistake that came before Japan’s 2-1 World Cup loss to Brazil.

"The frustration and remorse have been there, and I think that won't change going forward. My ability was simply lacking." He told Kyodo News following the defeat.

"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."

Japan’s campaign ended in the round of 32 on Monday in Houston, where Brazil won 2-1. Tanaka came on in the 77th minute with the game level at 1-1.

After dispossessing Endrick, he was caught on the ball by Rayan, who found Bruno Guimaraes to tee up Gabriel Martinelli for a 95th-minute winner.

Tanaka was in tears at full-time as Manchester United and Brazil forward Matheus Cunha tried to console him.

He had impressed earlier at the tournament, running midfield in a 4-0 win over Tunisia and shining in a 1-1 draw with Sweden against Elland Road 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.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk