Distraught Japan will bounce back better, says coach Moriyasu

AL WAKRAH, Qatar : Japan's players were devastated after Monday's agonising defeat on penalties by Croatia in the World Cup last 16 but coach Hajime Moriyasu opted to look towards a brighter future for his team in the years to come despite their disappointment.

Looking to reach the quarter-finals for the first time, Japan were the livelier side in the first half and took the lead through Daizen Maeda but they faded after Ivan Perisic headed Croatia level following the break and crumbled in the shootout.

Japan lost to Turkey, Paraguay and Belgium in their three previous last-16 appearances at the World Cup.

"Every day, for four years, we worked hard to break this barrier but we couldn't get the result we wanted. It's really hard to take," said captain Maya Yoshida, one of three players who had penalties saved by Croatia goalkeeper Dominic Livakovic.

Only Takuma Asano converted his penalty as Livakovic also denied Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma before Mario Pasalic sent Shuichi Gonda the wrong way and coolly slotted in the winning spot kick for a 3-1 shootout victory.

"The result of the penalties can't be blamed on anyone," winger Ritsu Doan said. "The problem was that we couldn't complete the game in 120 minutes."

Defender Yuto Nagatomo added: "It's difficult to find the words. I think the regret we feel with this loss will lead to something better in the years to come."

Japan topped a difficult Group E after confidence-boosting comeback wins over former world champions Germany and Spain, both by a 2-1 scoreline.

They took the game to 2018 finalists Croatia in the first half and went toe-to-toe with them for 120 minutes but were outdone by a resilient and patient side in an absorbing contest that was deadlocked at 1-1 and ended