"It is a great pity, we were close to victory. Though, I understand did quite a lot. We made great progress for the development of Japanese football. It is really difficult for me to accept this defeat, but I am proud of our high-level performance. I repeat, we can be proud that we played in the round of 16," Kawashima said.

Japan went from leading 2-0 at the beginning of the second half, to losing 3-2, conceding their last goal in the final minute of stoppage time.

Belgium will now face Brazil in the quarter-finals in Kazan on Friday.