W hen was the last time that I stayed up until the crack of dawn to watch my adopted country's soccer team try and beat the odds…NEVER! But there I was, 4 a.m. Tokyo time, jazzed to watch what would no doubt be a wide-open game while my wife was fast asleep just beside me.

The birds were chirping and the crows crowing as the day broke and the game started.

Most fans knew that is was mathematically possible for Japan to move into the next round, but that in all likelihood their chances of beating Brazil, and by more than two goals, while Australia lost to Croatia, seemed just too remote. But nothing is impossible, or rather, Impossible is Nothing!

Of the three games this was by far going to be the most exciting – Japan had nothing to lose and everything to gain, and it showed from the initial kick off. Perhaps desperation brings out the best in individuals, of that I am unsure. However I can tell you that Japan's blue jerseys were all over the field, persistently chasing down balls while trying to keep the Brazilians at bay.

Then it happened. At 4:32 a.m. Tokyo time, Japan's Tamada crossed the Brazilian goal area from right to left taking a pass from Alex and with authority, drilled the ball with his left foot into the back of Brazil's net. Japan 1 – Brazil 0. Hope sprung eternal!

Not only did the crowd attending the game go bananas, but also some of my neighbors lost control and screamed in celebration, while others continued to silently sleep.

Japan's persistence continued until 4:44 a.m., when Brazil, frustrated until now by the tenacity of their adversaries, managed to head the ball across Japan's goalmouth where Ronoldo re-directed into the net.

Tie game.

By this time the day had almost fully broke as the growling engines of motorbikes and cars punctuated the early morning silence. Some, like me, were glued to their TVs, drinking beers or perhaps having an early breakfast, while no doubt others were slowly getting ready for another mere workday, oblivious or not to their national team's fate.

Half time! Game tied. There was still a chance!

By 5 a.m. both teams were back on the field for what could be Japan's final 45 minutes of soccer at this year's World Cup.

At 5:08 you could feel the nation's collective heart sink as another Brazilian kick made it's way to the back of Japan's net. Brazil 2 – Japan 1. The hole was starting to form, and Japan needed to strike back quickly, or say thank your and goodbye!

At 5:14 the camel's back was broken. Brazil 3 – Japan 1. What looked so promising at first had now fallen apart. Their tenacity waned, passes searched for receivers, turnovers increased and my neighbors went dead silent.

I have to tell you that Brazil's last two goals were, in my humble opinion, soft. They could have been stopped, but weren't. Shogunai!

At 5:36 AM the fat lady sung as Brazil netted their fourth. For Japan, this World Cup was over. The rest of the game was a now a mere formality. Their record would be 0-1-2.

By 5:49 the game was over. The players were trading jerseys and I was brushing my teeth for today was still another day.

Arigatoo Nipon, for letting me live within your borders, and watch your team try. There's always next time. Gambatte!

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