Brazil beats Japan in Houston's first World Cup knockout game

The vibe: The tension was palpable. Japan led 1-0 at halftime before Brazil equalized, and the score remained deadlocked for much of the second half until Brazil scored the second goal.

• And even after Japan lost, fans stayed behind to pick up trash in their signature blue bags, per their tradition.

What they're saying: "I was anxious," said Diego Tameirao, a Brazil fan from Boston who's been following the team. But he said he felt relieved and happy in the end.

• Tameirao paid $3,000 for a ticket, plus $1,300 more for airfare and hotel. He tells Axios he's budgeting $50,000 this summer and following the team to New Jersey for the next round.
• Lifelong Brazil fan Victor Peña of Houston says "it's a dream" to see his team play in his hometown.

What's next: Houston's last World Cup match is July 4, with Canada facing either the Netherlands or Morocco in the round of 16.