Keisuke Honda and Japan media react to Ao Tanaka's fatal mistake vs Brazil

Ao Tanaka will wake up feeling like the world has swallowed him up.

The Leeds United star committed a crucial mistake against Brazil as the South Americans grabbed a last-gasp winner against Japan.

The Asian nation had looked on course to secure their entry into the following round when Kaishu Sano struck first at Houston Stadium after 29 minutes.

Brazil battled back when Casemiro scored in the 56th, and then Tanaka took the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the final minute of added time.

Tanaka intercepted the ball on the edge of the box, but seconds later gave the ball back to Brazil.

After Martinelli scored from two passes later, Tanaka was understandably inconsolable at full-time. Still, he has found an ally in an iconic Japanese figure as the media react to his display.

Keisuke Honda explains why Ao Tanaka criticism is misplaced

Playing for your nation comes with intense pressure, especially at the World Cup.

When it comes to modern Japan greats who understand that, Keisuke Honda is certainly at the top of the list.

He played 98 times for the Samurai Blue, scoring 38 goals and is currently the top Asian scorer in World Cup history.

Speaking after the game, as a commentator for channel HNK, as relayed by Soccer Digest, he said: "It's all hindsight, isn't it? He made a mistake that led to a goal conceded, so that's how it's being talked about, but other players made plenty of mistakes in other situations as well, and it's not like it's okay to make a mistake as long as it doesn't lead to a goal conceded.

"So no one can blame Tanaka, and in fact, I have nothing but praise for his other plays. I hope Tanaka can move on from this."

The outcome of the match will certainly play on the midfielder's mind over the next few weeks.

However, as he returns to pre-season, Daniel Farke will be hoping he has got the disappointment out of his system ahead of the 2026-2027 campaign.

The Whites star is now set for a return to America, with Leeds' first pre-season game against Wrexham taking place on 25 July in Tampa, Florida.

However, with FIFA mandating a 21-day holiday for World Cup stars, that game may be a little too soon for the 27-year-old following his break.

And, his future still remains up in the air in LS11 as well.

Match ratings reveal impact of Tanaka's decisive mistake in the public's eyes

While Honda was quick to defend Tanaka, the Japanese media have only focused on that one moment.

The midfielder has received a 5.5 rating across the board from the media in Japan.

Football Channel simply stated: "Involved in a goal conceded due to a very costly mistake."

Meanwhile, Soccer Digest said: "A costly loss of possession leads to the winning goal."

Overall, it was a match to forget for Tanaka, who has often been a hero for Leeds. But he has now hit zero on the international stage.