Japan was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 1-2 to Brazil in the Round of 32.
"The game actually went in the direction we wanted at certain moments," Kamada said.
Japan took the lead in the first half with a brilliant long-range strike from Kaishu Sano and went into halftime with a 1-0 advantage. However, Brazil dominated the second half, completing a 2-1 comeback with Casemiro's equalizer and Martinelli's stoppage-time winner.
Reflecting on the defeat, Kamada could not conceal his disappointment. "We always believed this team could progress further. The fact that we fell short of expectations simply shows our strength wasn't sufficient. I really wanted to advance to the next stage with everyone."
Throughout the interview, Kamada repeatedly used the phrase "progress further."
Before the tournament began, this Japan team was hailed as the "strongest Japan team in history." They remained undefeated throughout the group stage and produced impressive performances against strong opponents like the Netherlands and Sweden, earning their knockout-stage qualification and raising external expectations.
However, against five-time World Cup champions Brazil, Japan couldn't overcome this obstacle.
Regarding the match itself, Kamada acknowledged the team had anticipated intense pressure. "We knew we would face prolonged periods of being pressed by the opposition, and we were mentally prepared for that. But experiencing it firsthand was still emotionally complex. I truly hoped we could advance with all my teammates."
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boucdert
0
God is angry with you for leaving out true Germans for the love of those who buy nationalities. A citizen is not a national, Nationality is blood, DNA, history.
Peydeloprt
0
First half Japan was good in controlling the games but 2nd half ,it all Brazil...defending too deep cost Japan lost the game.
that's what I'm saying. japan were defending too much and let brazil play the ball. if they tried to control the game, they would have won.
seobdeorst
1
they could have quickly noticed that their opponent changed tactics, they began sending long crosses in the box
Lovestare
0
keep controlling, 🤔🤔🤔
Jobayer_Hossain
0
Don't feel bad bro. It will always be hard for you guys against the elite teams due to the height and physicality differences. The Japanese players were almost always end up a step behind, even when they were initially ahead of a Brazilian player. Don't even mention aerial duels. That's the weaknest Asian teams have and it's a natural weakness that's hard to compensate for. But Japan played well, and might have won of it weren't Brazil
well noted. 💯💯
Techniciansy2k
6
Don't feel bad bro. It will always be hard for you guys against the elite teams due to the height and physicality differences. The Japanese players were almost always end up a step behind, even when they were initially ahead of a Brazilian player. Don't even mention aerial duels. That's the weaknest Asian teams have and it's a natural weakness that's hard to compensate for. But Japan played well, and might have won of it weren't Brazil
Soaabdpyz
2
when you talk to much you deserve it I saw on the media always said you can beat Brazil🇧🇷 so here it is your results today
Yaucelmsy
0
japan need to drink enegy drinks after firts half
japceinsu
5
First half Japan was good in controlling the games but 2nd half ,it all Brazil...defending too deep cost Japan lost the game.
Whuligan
2
They won our hearts
Litelntz
0
Well said and Well done but sometimes your best is never enuff