Japan stunned by agonising loss to Belgium says Nishino

Soccer Football - World Cup - Round of 16 - Belgium vs Japan - Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don, Russia - July 2, 2018 Japan coach Akira Nishino during the match REUTERS/Marko Djurica

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (Reuters) - Japan coach Akira Nishino said his players were lost for words after their crushing 3-2 defeat by Belgium on Monday in the World Cup last 16 when they were on the cusp of making history but threw away a two-goal lead late in the second half.

"I told the players to go and take a shower because they were just standing there not able to do anything," said a dejected Nishino after Nacer Chadli's winner deep in stoppage time from a lightning quick counter attack after a Japan corner.