HOUSTON (AP):The heartbreak was all too familiar for Japan at the World Cup.The country’s national team hung in until the very end yesterday but was eliminated from the tournament – the third straight time Japan has had the lead in the knockout round and lost. This year, it was to five-time champions Brazil 2-1 on a late goal in injury time.After four previous losses in such matches at World Cups, Japan are still searching for their first knockout victory.

Takefusa Kubo ruled out of Japan's World Cup round-of-32 match against Brazil with a left-knee injury, reshaping the knockout stage clash in Houston.

Brazil is through to the Round of 16 after a last-minute goal broke Japanese hearts in Houston.