FIFA World Cup Japan puts up a great fight but exits in knockout stage Late-night live broadcast still draws high ratings
The Japanese national team, which advanced to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup Russia, faced Belgium, ranked third in the FIFA rankings, on July 3.
(Photo: Fort Kishimoto)
Despite Belgium being overwhelming favorites, Japan held them scoreless in the first half with dedicated defense.
In the second half, Japan scored the long-awaited opening goal with Genki Haraguchi's first international goal. Takashi Inui then extended the lead to 2-0 with a mid-range shot.
However, Belgium equalized by capitalizing on their height advantage. In stoppage time, Belgium counterattacked and scored the winning goal, eliminating Japan in the Round of 16.
The match was broadcast live on NHK General TV. Despite the late-night broadcast, it recorded high ratings: an average viewership of 30.8% (until 5:00 AM) and a peak instant viewership of 42.6% at 4:51 AM when Belgium scored the winning goal.
Ratings for Japan's matches in this tournament were: Group Stage vs. Colombia (June 19, NHK General TV) 48.7%, vs. Senegal (June 24, Nippon TV Network) 30.9%, vs. Poland (June 28, Fuji TV Network) 44.2%.
The highest viewership rating for any Japan match in history was 66.1%, recorded during the 2002 Japan-Korea World Cup against Russia (Fuji TV network).
*All ratings are based on Video Research Ltd. data for the Kanto region.
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