Japan’s World Cup dream was cruelly ended on Monday night when Belgium bagged a stoppage-time winner in Rostov.
An upset was on the cards as Akira Nishino’s men stormed into a 2-0 lead, but the Belgians hit back to level before Nacer Chadli popped up at the death to send them into the quarter-finals.
The Japanese players looked understandably dejected at the final whistle.
However, the team and fans put their disappointment behind them as they cleaned up the stands and even the away dressing room despite the 3-2 reverse.
“This is the Japanese dressing room after losing to Belgium in the 94′ minute,” wrote a FIFA employee alongside a picture of a pristine-looking changing area.
“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!”
Japan boss Akira Nishino was crushed after having a famous win ripped from his grasp.
He said: “I am devastated. Yes we took the lead but we couldn’t win. I don’t want to admit it. I do feel that it was a tragedy but I have to accept the defeat as a fact.
“Maybe it was my decisions as a coach or my tactics, and we couldn’t keep up with Belgium.”
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