6 July 4, 2018 Japan Stunned by Neymar Helps Agonizing Loss to Belgium Brazil Beat Mexico ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (Reuters) - Japan coach Akira Nishino has said his players were lost for words after their crushing 3-2 defeat by Belgium in the World Cup last 16 when they were on the cusp of making history but threw away a two-goal lead late in the second half. “I told the players to go and take a shower because they were just standing there not able to do anything,” said a dejected Nishino after Nacer Chadli’s winner deep in stoppage time from a lightning quick Brazil has never lost a World Cup game against opponents from Central counter attack after a Japan corner. or North America “I do not want to really admit it but this was a tragedy, but I have to accept MOSCOW (Dispatches) - released Willian, whose low cross this defeat as a fact. I feel devastated, After surviving a spell of Belgium in the FIFA world rankings. “When they scored I questioned Brazil roared in the World Cup fizzed into the danger area where very disappointed,” he added. dominance in the first half, Japan Nishino’s side went all out to try whether I was in control in the game, quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory Neymar slid in to turn the ball “The players played to the best of came flying out of the blocks in the and restore their lead in an attempt and thought that I should be blamed over Mexico as Neymar shone with home. their abilities, we were able to show second and Genki Haraguchi gave to avoid extra time but they were and not the players. I blamed myself, a goal and an assist that dumped Brazil had to wait until the 88th good football on the pitch but our them a shock lead which Takashi Inui punished for their adventurous I questioned my tactics,” he added. the central Americans out at the minute to put the match to bed aim was to go to the next round so I quickly doubled with a scorching approach by Belgium’s deadly “I wanted my players to have a last-16 stage for the seventh straight as Neymar was the architect, cannot call this a success.” long-range strike. counter-attack. different mentality to Japanese teams occasion. crossing for Firmino to tap the But just when Japan looked set to The coach, who took charge of in the past, I think we succeeded in break the barrier to the quarter-finals Japan two months before the World having a different mentality but there The PSG forward slid home ball home. Record-Seeking after two last 16 exits in 2002 and Cup started after Vahid Halilhodzic was something missing in our skills in the second half and then teed Neymar’s on-field show, away 2010, Jan Vertonghen and Marouane was sacked, said he and not his and powers.” up Roberto Firmino later on as from the goal and assist, did get a Froome Leads Fellaini leveled for Belgium, who players were at fault for their late Belgium will face Brazil in the the five-time champions beat an lot of people talking. stand 58 places above the Asian side collapse. quarter-finals on Friday. otherwise stubborn Mexico, who Neymar’s influence was clear had a promising World Cup start in stats that showed that in Russia Team Sky’s with a victory over champions he has attempted more shots and Germany, but ended in familiar created more goalscoring chances Tour de France Nadal, Djokovic, Sharapova Lead fashion in the first knockout than any other player. round. In between, however, fans also Charge It is the seventh World Cup saw the Neymar everyone loves Champion Parade at Wimbledon running that Brazil have reached to hate. With 72 minutes gone, Nadal is bidding to win Roland the last eight, where they will Neymar was fouled and was on the Garros and Wimbledon in the now face Belgium or Japan, ground with the ball between his same year for the third time. while Mexico have not made it feet in front of the technical area. Three-time champion Djokovic to that stage since they hosted the Mexican Miguel Layun came to starts against Tennys Sandgren tournament in 1986. take the ball and sneakily put his of the United States, returning to Mexico, who