Japan's World Cup dream came to a heartbreaking end as Gabriel Martinelli's dramatic 95th-minute winner fired Brazil into the last 16, leaving supporters in Tokyo stunned after a spirited 2-1 defeat.
The Samurai Blue looked on course for one of the biggest victories in their history after taking the lead against the five-time world champions in Houston. But Brazil responded after the break before Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic comeback.
Around 200 fans gathered at a public viewing in central Tokyo for the match, which kicked off at 2:00am local time, only to see Japan's hopes dashed in the closing moments.
Despite the devastating finish, supporters praised Japan's performance against one of football's greatest nations.
"We took Brazil all the way," said 55-year-old fan Shigenobu Katsumura, dressed in a Japan shirt and scarf.
"You don't know what would have happened if it had gone to extra time. There was still a chance, so to have that chance snuffed out is frustrating."
Japan entered the knockout clash full of belief after defeating Brazil for the first time in an international friendly in Tokyo last October.
While the group-stage fixtures in North America had mostly been played at breakfast time in Japan, fans either stayed awake through the night or woke before dawn for the knockout encounter, which finished around 4:00am local time.
"I've been up all night," said 29-year-old office worker Noa Takagi.
"I'm going to go home and then go to work today, from 8:30."
There was an air of nervous anticipation before kick-off as Brazil's players sang their national anthem in their iconic yellow shirts.
The mood quickly changed in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano surged forward before calmly sweeping the ball beyond Alisson to give Japan a deserved lead.
Brazil levelled 11 minutes into the second half, setting up a tense finale as the South Americans piled on the pressure.
Just when extra time appeared inevitable, Martinelli found the decisive breakthrough in the 95th minute, breaking Japanese hearts and sending stunned supporters into the Tokyo morning.
"I thought we could win, so the end was disappointing," said 35-year-old Tomo Yoshida.
"I think Brazil showed what a strong football country they are. They were very good."
Japan arrived at the tournament with the ambitious aim of winning the World Cup despite never having won a knockout match at the competition.
That record remains intact following another agonising exit, but the team's fearless display against Brazil earned widespread admiration.
Katsumura, who had also attended Japan's opening match against the Netherlands, noticed a different atmosphere during the knockout clash.
"The passion is different when you get to the knockout stage."
Although their World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, Japan's performance against Brazil offered further evidence of the nation's continued progress on football's biggest stage.
