Japan Lost in the World Cup, But The Fans and the Team Still Left in the Classiest Way Possible

After starting the game strong with an early 2-0 lead, Japan suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat against Belgium which made a rousing comeback before the game’s final whistle.

While the loss ended Japan’s otherwise memorable run in the tournament, the team and its supporters continued to display tremendous sportsmanship that amazed sports fans around the world.

The Japanese national team stayed on the field after the match to bow and pay tribute to their fans, who in turn, showered them with loud cheers.

Afterward, the club cleaned up their dressing room, leaving it spotless, and wrote a “thank you” note written in Russian.

“This is the Japanese dressing room after losing to Belgium in the 94′ minute,” wrote FIFA employee Priscilla Janssens on Twitter.

“Thanked their fans in the stadium, cleaned up everything (bench and dressing room) and spoke to media. Even left a note with ‘thank you’ in Russian. What an example for all teams!! Privilege to work with!”

Meanwhile, Japanese supporters, who earned universal respect and admiration for cleaning stadiums after matches and making friends with other fans over anime, also cleaned up the areas they occupied in the stadium.

The simple yet touching gestures of Japanese fans and their team have elevated the Japanese World Cup delegation to a class unmatched in most international sporting events.

Featured Image via Twitter / Priscilla Janssens