Despite a heartbreaking defeat and exit from the World Cup in Russia on Monday, the Japan national team and its supporters have again won plaudits on social media not only for their fair play and sportsmanship, but also for thoroughly cleaning up the stadium, bench and dressing room.
The team lost in the final seconds of its last-16 match against Belgium by a score of 3-2, after taking a 2-0 lead early in the second half. But even while grappling with the devastating defeat, both the fans and players continued a tradition they have maintained throughout this World Cup — cleaning up their section of the stadium, some with tears still in their eyes.
