Sir Alex Ferguson reacts as Japan's unforgettable World Cup journey comes to a heartbreaking end against Brazil:
🗣️ “This is the side of football that breaks your heart. Japan didn't deserve to walk off that pitch with tears, but that's the cruelty of knockout football. One moment can erase ninety-five minutes of courage.”
“I feel for every player in that dressing room. They gave everything they had against one of the greatest football nations the game has ever seen. Nobody can question their commitment, their belief or the fight they showed until the final whistle.”
“These players have nothing to be ashamed of. They made Brazil suffer, they made millions around the world believe, and for long periods they looked capable of creating one of the greatest World Cup upsets in history.”
“The hardest part isn't losing it's knowing you were only seconds away from changing the history of your country. Those are the nights that stay with footballers for the rest of their lives.”
“To the supporters of Japan, I know tonight feels devastating. But don't judge this team by the result. Judge them by the courage they showed, the respect they earned and the pride they brought to an entire nation.”
“Brazil move on, but they'll know they survived a team that refused to fear them. Japan leave with broken hearts, yet they've won something equally important tonight the admiration and respect of the entire football world.”
Zlatan Ibrahimović on Brazil qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after defeating Japan:
🗣️ “Everyone buried Brazil too early. Everyone questioned them, doubted them and said the magic was gone. But when the pressure reached its highest point, Brazil reminded the world why five stars are stitched onto that shirt.”
“Japan were magnificent. They fought with courage, discipline and unbelievable belief. They pushed Brazil to the absolute limit, but football is ruthless. One moment of hesitation, one decisive attack, and Brazil showed the difference between dreaming of history and creating it.”
“People will say Brazil struggled. I say champions are supposed to suffer. If winning was easy, every nation would have five World Cups. Great teams don't always dominate they survive, they fight and they finish the job.”
“Gabriel Martinelli didn't just score a goal he carried the hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders. That's the responsibility of wearing the Brazil shirt, and he embraced it when millions were watching.”
“To Japan, hold your heads high because you've earned the respect of the football world. But tonight belongs to Brazil. The giants have survived, the samba continues, and the rest of this World Cup has just been put on notice.”