Japan defender Yuichi Komano, whose missed penalty resulted in his country's exit from the World Cup, will receive a special award from his home prefecture.

Yoshinobu Nisaka, the governor of Wakayama Prefecture, told reporters Friday he would present Komano with a special award for "giving people dreams and emotions."

After playing to a scoreless draw with Paraguay, Japan lost on penalties when Komano sent his shot just high and it bounced off the crossbar.

Japan surprised many at the World Cup by beating Cameroon and Denmark in group matches before being defeated by Paraguay in the round of 16 on Tuesday.