Japan was eliminated from the men’s soccer World Cup after a 2-1 loss to Brazil. The world’s 18th-ranked Japan took on sixth-ranked Brazil at Houston Stadium on Monday. Brazil dominated possession and applied constant pressure, but Japan’s goalkeeper Suzuki Zion stood tall. In the 29th minute, Sano Kaishu intercepted a pass, burst down the field and unleashed a right-footed strike from outside the box to open scoring for Japan. Down 1-0 at halftime, Brazil increased pressure by delivering early crosses into the box. Brazil equalized in the 56th minute when Casemiro headed in a cross from the left. Tanaka Ao lost possession, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to score a stoppage time winner. Japan’s fifth bid for its first-ever knockout-stage victory fell short again.
The death toll has topped 1,700, and may rise, five days after massive earthquakes hit Venezuela. The United Nations says a large number of survivors need humanitarian assistance. Rescue operations have been continuing since two earthquakes with magnitudes over 7 struck the country on Wednesday. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said on Monday that the number of deaths had increased to 1,719.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia agreed to a compromise proposal regarding Ukraine put forward by the United States at a summit held last August. A Russian state-run TV station aired an interview with Putin on Sunday. During the interview, Putin was asked whether US President Donald Trump had been persuaded by European leaders to shift his stance in favor of Ukraine. Putin doubted the possibility saying that Trump is an experienced politician.