Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu says the national team is getting closer to World Cup success despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brazil. In the match, Japan push the five-time World Cup champions hard and lose 2-1 in what multiple reports describe as a late, last-gasp result. Moriyasu frames the performance as evidence that Japan’s overall strength has increased, noting that the squad has shown progress in the period leading up to the World Cup. He also points to Japan’s recent form in friendly matches against major opponents, saying the team recorded wins over Brazil and England prior to Monday’s game. Across coverage, the emphasis is on improvement and competitiveness rather than the outcome of the Brazil match. The reports attribute the assessment directly to Moriyasu, who argues that Japan have demonstrated qualities needed for future tournament success. Both outlets describe the defeat as narrow and highlight Brazil’s reputation, while presenting Moriyasu’s comments as a forward-looking evaluation of the team’s development.