Japan's quest for its first Olympic medal in men's soccer since Mexico City in 1968 will continue for another four years to Tokyo after being eliminated from the Rio Games on Wednesday.
Japan dominated Sweden 1-0 in its final Group B game for its first victory, but with Colombia winning 2-0 over a Nigeria team saving themselves for the quarterfinals, Makoto Teguramori's side was sent packing.
Shinya Yajima came off the bench to score for Japan, which finished third in the group on four points behind Nigeria (six) and Colombia (five). Sweden was last with one point.