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

In perhaps the most riveting match Houston has seen this World Cup, Brazil edged out Japan 2-1 minutes before the final whistle on Monday.

Why it matters: As the World Cup enters the knockout rounds with raised stakes, Houston is getting a taste of tighter matches, louder crowds and passionate fans spending even more to follow their teams.

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.