The Japanese fans delivered another classy performance as they matched their side’s dazzling display against Spain by remembering to clean up after themselves.
The Asian nation defied the odds to top Group E on Thursday night by beating Spain 2-1 after a stunning second-half comeback.
In doing so, they eliminated Germany despite Hansi Flick’s side winning 4-2 against Costa Rica.
Germany had to win their last group game, while hoping that Japan suffered a defeat against Spain.
And the signs were positive for Germany at half-time as Spain led 1-0, only for Japan to turn the game around within six minutes of the restart thanks to goals from Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka.
Japan then survived a pressure attack from Spain, and although they only had 17.7% possession, they held on for a famous victory.
But despite the euphoria inside the Khalifa International Stadium, Samarai Blue supporters suspended their celebrations.
In what has become synonymous with Japanese supporters after matches, those in the stands have been tidied up to leave no trace of a smaller one on the floor.
Fans were filmed with plastic bags as they walked around the stadium filling it with rubbish.
Social media adored their act of selfless kindness, as one user tweeted: “Japan deserves to qualify, not only did their fans do humanity a favor by always cleaning the stadium, but they also showed dedication. ‘great strength.’
Another joked: “Japanese fans should fetch bags full of tears from the stadium where Germany played.”
A third added: “Huge respect for the Japanese fans in Qatar, what they have done is just speechless and amazing!”
The Japanese players showed just as much respect at this tournament, with a picture of their spotless dressing room after their first group win against Germany going viral.
talkSPORT’s Ally McCoist was full of praise for Japan, as he said: “I don’t know if you’ve heard or seen the story of the Japanese players and staff cleaning up the locker room, they have left absolutely meticulously clean.
“As if that weren’t enough, there are images of Japanese fans walking around with trash bags even after games.
“I have to say this is my story for the day, it’s absolutely brilliant.”
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