Leeds United favourite Ao Tanaka breaks silence on World Cup heartbreak and crucial mistake
The Leeds United man's crucial error put an end to Japan's World Cup campaign.
Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka doesn’t expect the ‘frustration and remorse’ to ease any time soon following his crucial mistake in Japan’s World Cup defeat to Brazil.
Tanaka’s World Cup campaign ended at the round-of-32 stage on Monday as Japan lost 2-1 against Brazil in Houston. The Leeds man started on the bench before being introduced in the 77th minute, at which point the score was level at 1-1.
The game looked set for extra-time but after dispossessing Endrick, Tanaka was himself caught on the ball by Rayan. The Brazilian then passed to Bruno Guimaraes who set up Gabriel Martinelli to win it in the 95th minute.
Tanaka was disconsolate after the full-time whistle confirmed his error effectively eliminated Japan. The Leeds man was in tears as Manchester United and Brazil forward Matheus Cunha attempted to comfort him, to no avail.
"The frustration and remorse have been there, and I think that won't change going forward,” Tanaka told Japanese outlet Kyodo News following the defeat. “My ability was simply lacking.
"I really felt responsible for us conceding at that stage of the match. I can only wipe out the frustration felt at this World Cup at another World Cup, which is a special stage...I want to develop into a player who can match the world's top players."
Tanaka had largely impressed with Japan at the World Cup, particularly during a 4-0 win over Tunisia in which he ran the midfield. The Leeds man also impressed in a 1-1 draw against Sweden, coming up against Elland Road teammate Gabriel Gudmundsson.
Both have since seen their World Cup campaigns end, with Sweden losing 3-0 against tournament favourites France in the last 32. Two Leeds players remain part of the tournament, with Brenden Aaronson’s USA beating Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 to progress to the last 16 while Noah Okafor’s Switzerland face Algeria early tomorrow morning.