Leeds United's Ao Tanaka reflects on World Cup mistake after Brazil winner | OneFootball

Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka says frustration and remorse will linger after his error preceded Brazil’s stoppage-time winner that ended Japan’s World Cup.

Japan went out in the round-of-32 in Houston, losing 2-1. Introduced in the 77th minute at 1-1, Tanaka dispossessed Endrick but was then caught by Rayan, who found Bruno Guimaraes to set up Gabriel Martinelli for a 95th-minute decider. The Leeds man 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," he told Kyodo News.

"My ability was simply lacking. 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, 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 have since exited 3-0 to France. Two Leeds players remain, with Brenden Aaronson’s USA winning 2-0 to reach the last 16, while Noah Okafor’s Switzerland face Algeria early tomorrow.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk