Japan

Japan are out, and it could hardly have been more painful.

They led 5-time champions Brazil for most of the game, and so nearly pulled off another famous upset.

Their midfielder Sano put them ahead in the 29th minute, after Brazil midfielder Casemiro gave the ball away.

So Japan took a shock 1-0 lead into half-time, and they looked ready to shock the world again.

But Casemiro made up for his mistake, heading in the equalizer in the 56th minute to make it 1-1.

Japan dug in and looked to be heading for extra time, where anything can happen.

Then, in the 5th minute of stoppage time, Brazil winger Martinelli curled in a winner to break their hearts.

There was no time left to come back, and a brilliant run was suddenly over.

This is the serial dark horse, the team that beat both Germany and Spain in the group stage back in 2022.

The creative burden fell on Takefusa Kubo, just 24, with Daichi Kamada alongside him in midfield.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu had them disciplined, organized, and unafraid of the biggest name in the game.

The mood is heartbreak, but Japan go home proud after taking the 5-time champions all the way.