Japanese fans praised for voluntarily cleaning stadiums during FIFA World Cup
This was not the first time that Japanese fans displayed good manners
DOHA: Japanese fans have been praised for voluntarily cleaning stadiums during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022.
After defeating Germany on Wednesday, in one of the major upsets of the tournaments, videos of Japanese fans cleaning the stadium went viral on social media.
Japan team fans distributed hundreds of rubbish bags so that the stadium, littered with used food trays and empty drinks cups, could be cleaned during and after the match.
This was not the first time that Japanese fans displayed good manners, since they had done the same thing in previous matches as well.
Takao Teramoto, a Japanese football player and coach living in Australia, told SBS News that the fans' actions represent Japan's respect-driven culture.
"We would have behaved the same way whether we won or lost this game against Germany," he said.
"We must not forget to respect our opponents. I believe that they did that act because of the respect they had for everyone: players, coaches, referees, and staff.
"I hope that the importance of that feeling will be conveyed to the world."
The Japan football team also followed in the footsteps of their fans as they cleaned the changing room at the Khalifa International Stadium after the match.
Germany shocked by Japan
Japan produced a stunning comeback to shock Germany in their World Cup opener on Wednesday.
Germany came to the World Cup desperate to avoid the humiliation of 2018, when as defending champions they suffered their earliest exit since 1938.
Hansi Flick´s men were on course for an opening win when Ilkay Gundogan put them ahead from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute.
However, they then paid the price for missed chances as the Blue Samurai equalised through Ritsu Doan in the 75th minute.
Fellow substitute Takuma Asano — who, like Doan, plays in the Bundesliga — completed a remarkable turnaround eight minutes later, smashing the ball home to give Japan a famous 2-1 victory.
"The players came together as one team, we prepared well and we stuck in there, and that´s what led to the win," said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu.
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