sports

Japan's Players Bowed To Fans And Cleaned Up Their Dressing Room After Defeat To Belgium

It's a bittersweet end to the Samurai Blue's 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Cover image via Getty Images / Twitter @priscillaboca

Japanese fans have been the highlight of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Not only did they bring their A-game to Russia with their costumes and spirits...

... Supporters of Japan's national football team also gained worldwide praise and admiration for cleaning up the stadium after matches

Unfortunately, it's the end of the road for Japan after they were knocked out of the tournament following a 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16s

Despite their heartbreaking loss, the Samurai Blue stuck around the pitch after their defeat and bowed to their loyal supporters

It's truly a bittersweet end to Japan's World Cup campaign as fans cheered on the team in return. 

Image via Getty Images

In yet another display of class, the Japanese football team cleaned up their dressing room and even left a "Thank you" note in Russian

The above photo was tweeted by FIFA General Coordinator Priscilla Janssens, who called the Japanese team "an example for all teams" and "a privilege to work with".

After the match, Japanese fans continued to make their country proud by making sure they leave no trash behind

Belgium may have won the game, but there's zero doubt that it's the Japanese - both players and fans - who've won World Cup watchers' hearts throughout the tournament

The Japanese's admirable behaviour have also inspired supporters from other nations to do the same:

As we near the end of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, we bid farewell to (more than) half of these hotties:

Meanwhile, here's a look back at what happened to some World Cup stadiums in Brazil and South Africa years after they'd hosted the tournament:

You may be interested in: