'Gap closing' to elite says Japan coach Moriyasu after late World Cup loss to Brazil

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/brazil/I9l9aqLq/"]Brazil[/a] survived a World Cup ‌Round of 32 scare when they fought back to beat [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/japan/ULXPdOUj/"]Japan[/a] 2-1 ‌after [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/martinelli/dITe5M88/"]Gabriel Martinelli[/a] squeezed in a shot at the far post ‌deep in stoppage time.[/p][p]The result dashed hopes of a ‌team touted as dark horses who could make a long run in the tournament by beating traditional soccer heavyweights such as Brazil.[/p][p][b]“The gap between ‌us is closing now,"[/b] Moriyasu told reporters. [b]"Of ⁠course, Brazil are a top ‌tier team and we are definitely approaching that level.[/b][/p][p][b]"As a result ​we were devastated. Of course, there is that kind of difference in our level and we have to ​up our game. To compete at the top is a goal we all have."[/b][/p][p]For at least the opening period Japan stood ⁠toe-to-toe with Brazil ​as defenders flew around the pitch, broke up passes and closed down space while taking a shock 1-0 into the break.[/p][embed guid="edc242d9-64af-4cab-8f2c-176584a0530a" url="https://x.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/2071672297728172300" social-type="twitter" /][p]The result denied Japan a ‌first World Cup knockout win but Moriyasu said the fact a number of players stepped in to replaced injured teammates provided a broader range of experience and boded well for the future.[/p][p][b]"This is one of the strong points of the Japanese team,"[/b] Moriyasu said. [b]"Having more players gain such experience will contribute to the growth of football in Japan."[/b][/p][p]Improvement in different areas, including transitioning from attack and dealing with teams like Brazil able ‌to hold possession for long periods are things Japan need ​to work on, Moriyasu said.[/p][p]He also praised his team ‌for their effort throughout the match against Brazil and said his players showed how dangerous they can be on the counter against top teams.[/p][p][b]"What I said to the players is play as if we have gone back to 0-0,"[/b] ⁠Moriyasu said. [b]"Defending will lead ⁠to attack and that is ‌something I conveyed to the players."[/b][/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/brazil-I9l9aqLq/japan-ULXPdOUj/?mid=f7ENGzPc"]Review Brazil 2-1 Japan on Flashscore.[/a][/b][/p]