Coupe du monde : l'incroyable statistique qui montre la malédiction des Japonais
It's a painful statistic. Eliminated this Monday by Brazil (2-1) in the round of 32 of the World Cup, Japan becomes the nation with the most knockout matches in the World Cup without ever winning a single one. Five encounters, five defeats. A curse that is taking on historic proportions.
The Samurai Blue reached the knockout stage for the first time in 2002, losing 1-0 to Turkey. In 2010, in South Africa, they were eliminated on penalties by Paraguay. In 2018, they led 2-0 against Belgium before collapsing on a counter-attack in the dying moments of the match (3-2). In 2022 in Qatar, Croatia eliminated them on penalties (1-1 after extra time, 3-1 on penalties). These cruel twists of fate have forged a reputation: that of a team capable of anything, except getting past this stage.
A fifth act even more cruel
On Monday in Houston, Japan faltered once again. Trailing at halftime, the Seleção had to dig deep to overcome a Japanese side that had been impressive in the first half before fading from view. It was Gabriel Martinelli who secured the victory for Brazil in stoppage time (90+5'). An almost miraculous goal that, once again, prolongs Japan's suffering.
Despite being the Asian nation with the most appearances in the World Cup group stage, Japan has remained stuck at the same stage since 2002. Five Round of 16 or Round of 32 appearances, five eliminations. The record is undeniable. And the question now arises with particular urgency: how far can this curse go?
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