“Must do a public apology”

Fans have lashed out at Japan star Ao Tanaka for the mistake he committed that led to Brazil’s winner in the two sides’ Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Japan took the lead when Kaishu Sano intercepted the ball, made a mazy run through the midfield and smashed it into the net from long range (29′). Just minutes into the second half, however, Selecao midfielder Casemiro brought his side back on level terms with a thumping header (56′).

Tanaka, who plays for Premier League side Leeds United at club level, came on for Daichi Kamada in the 77th minute. In the dying embers of the game, he intercepted a Brazilian cross but was dispossessed while trying to hold the ball instead of clearing it.

The mistake ended up costing Samurai Blue the game, as Gabriel Martinelli scored from the ensuing move (90+6′). After the full-time whistle, fans lambasted Tanaka on social media for his ‘monumental’ error that knocked his side out of the FIFA World Cup.

One fan wrote:

“Tanaka must do a public apology to his teammates and Japanese. What are you doing with the ball around that area in the 96th minute.”

Another claimed:

“What a monumental mistake from Tanaka.”

A supporter declared:

“TANAKA SHOULD NEVER HAVE COME ON. He was of no use, and he’s just lost the ball that knocked them out.”

Another fan asserted:

“That Tanaka substitute cost Japan the game. What (a) horrible cameo.”

A fan remarked:

“Tanaka should have booted it out of play. To do that in the last minute of the game is criminal.”

A fan sympathized with Japan, writing:

“Gutted for Japan. That Tanaka has been absolutely awful since he came on, he’s been so slow to do everything.”

The result marked Japan’s third heart-breaking FIFA World Cup exit in a row. They lost 3-2 to Belgium via a 95th-minute winner in the Round of 16 in 2018, and went out to eventual bronze medallists Croatia on penalties (1-1, 3-1 in the shootout) at the same stage in 2022.

Brazil star Casemiro wins Player of the Match honours after 2-1 win vs Japan in Round of 32 at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Brazil midfielder Casemiro was named the Player of the Match in his side’s 2-1 win over Japan in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 34-year-old endured a difficult first half, often getting outpaced and outmuscled by the opposition. With Brazil trailing 1-0, many fans expected the former Real Madrid and Manchester United man to be taken off the pitch at half-time.

However, he responded in stylish fashion by scoring a towering header in the 56th minute to restore parity in the game. The strike gave him confidence, as he established himself as a stronger presence in the second half.

Casemiro was substituted off the pitch to a standing ovation from the Brazil fans in the 89th minute. Overall, he completed 68 of his 76 passes (89%), seven of his 10 long balls (70%), made one tackle and two blocks and won four of his six duels (67%, stats via FotMob).

In the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Casemiro and Brazil will face the winner of the clash between Cote d’Ivoire and Norway.