The heartbreak was all too familiar for Japan at the World Cup.The country’s national team hung in until the very end yesterday but was eliminated from the tournament – the third straight time Japan has had the lead in the knockout round and lost. This year, it was to five-time champions Brazil 2-1 on a late goal in injury time.

After four previous losses in such matches at World Cups, Japan are still searching for their first knockout victory.

“We were not able to achieve our goal this time, but then we can aim for the next World Cup or maybe even one after that,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said through a translator. “We should work towards that goal, which is what we’ve been doing.”