Japan coach Akira Nishino will not be asked to continue in the role when his contract expires at the end of this month, the Japanese Football Association (JFA) and the manager said on Thursday.

Keisuke Honda and captain Makoto Hasebe have announced their retirement from international football following Japan's elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Belgium on Monday night.

Akira Nishino’s short time in charge of Japan has been defined by a succession of gambles and so it was perhaps fitting that his side departs the World Cup after risking it all in the last 16 against Belgium.

It took a great escape in injury time to get there after being two goals down to Japan, but Belgium can now view their quarter-final against Brazil free of the weight of expectation.

Belgium passed a test of character with a display of true grit that bodes well for a World Cup quarter-final against Brazil, coach Roberto Martinez said after they came from 2-0 behind to beat Japan 3-2 in injury time.

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.

Belgium threw caution to the wind to reach the World Cup quarter-finals when substitute Nacer Chadli scored in the dying seconds as they beat spirited Japan 3-2 on Monday to set up a mouthwatering clash with five-time champions Brazil.

Japanese soccer fans fought back tears and wondered what could have been after a last-gasp goal by Belgium crushed their dreams of a historic World Cup quarter-final berth in heartbreaking fashion.

Belgium needed to add mental fortitude to their repertoire and their "golden generation" produced the requisite fighting spirit to overcome unexpected adversity in beating Japan 3-2 on Monday and qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals.

Japan coach Akira Nishino hopes his gamble of resting players in their previous game against Poland will bear fruit on Monday against Belgium when his side will be bidding to make it third time lucky and reach the quarter-finals.