As dawn broke in Tokyo, Japan fans had dared to believe their team was about to make World Cup history. But a few short minutes later, the dream was short-lived. The final whistle went with Belgium winning 3-2 to end Japan’s latest shot at making World Cup history.
But they did make World Cup history in a way that has left football fans, associations and other teams in respect for the Japanese football team and their fans.
Knocked out of #WorldCup 2018 and still tidying up after a game, Japan fans you are something special 👏 pic.twitter.com/hM1aeqM0of
— Indy Football (@IndyFootball) July 2, 2018
After the match on Tuesday, Japanese players and fans made sure to clean up after themselves and others, leaving behind spotless a locker room and stadium.
This is how Japan left the changing room after losing vs. Belgium. Spotless and with a ‘thank you’ note in Russian.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 3, 2018
Pure class. 👏 pic.twitter.com/CGj7a1iiXy
The fans had come prepared to Rostov-on-Don stadium with garbage bags and despite their agonising defeat made sure that the team’s exit didn’t affect what they stood for; courtesy and culture.
The same thing happened after their winning match against Columbia earlier in the tournament.
Cleanliness is a cultural trait imbibed into Japanese society and in all walks of life – and yesterday proved that football was no exception to the rule.
With inputs from agencies
