Japan’s football team have left a ‘thank you’ note to the Russians for hosting them at the FIFA World Cup 2018.
Japan may be out of this year’s World Cup, but their team have been described as the “true champions of the World Cup”.
The team have been partially praised for delivering exciting football, including a remarkable offside trap against Senegal, but are also being praised for their etiquette.
Losing 3-2 to to Belgium in Rostov on Monday night, Japan were knocked out of the World Cup in the final minutes of the game.
The Samurai Blue initially held a 2 goal lead but Belgium equalised into the second half. Nacer Chadli scored the winning goal for Belgium in the 94th minute.
Nonetheless, the Japanese team exited the tournament graciously, leaving a ‘thank you’ note in Russian in their changing rooms.
Japan fans and fans of the sport expressed their admiration for the team on Twitter.
Despite Japan’s agony, their actions following the game, along with their impressive performance on the pitch, have earned the respect of football fans around the world.
“You exemplify the very best of international competition!” one fan commented.
“Great ambassadors, both their team and spectators,” said another.
Earlier in the tournament, Japanese fans were seen cleaning up the stadium after the team defeated Colombia 2-1 in the Group stage.
This example shows to what every nation should look for, in terms of how to behave to one another and to towards everything! Fascinating. Hole nation of 🇯🇵 should be proud of their behavior in this world cup!
— jakup ratkoceri (@kupikoceri) July 3, 2018
Amazing from Japan.
This is how they left the changing room after losing v Belgium: cleaned it all.
And in the middle, have left a message to Russia: “Spasibo” (Thank you) pic.twitter.com/lrwoIZt2pR— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) July 3, 2018
Legacy. Example. Leadership. This is the future of football.@FIFAWorldCup @FIFAcom @CAF_Online @thenff @GovernmentRF
— Alexis Alexius (@alexisalexius91) July 3, 2018
Such class. Respect.
— JellyBean (@JellyMojito) July 3, 2018
