Japan clean dressing room, thank Russians after loss to Belgium

Japan hailed as 'an example for all teams' after leaving dressing room spotless with a note of thanks after late World Cup defeat by Belgium.

JAPAN may have been knocked out of the World Cup but they have won the hearts of football fans in Russia.


After their fans stayed behind to clean the stadium following their last-gasp defeat to Belgium, the first-team players also left their mark in the dressing room.
Japan, who have never won a knockout game, came so close to producing a giant-killing after going two goals ahead in the second half.

But their players were left distraught when Nacer Chadli scored a 94th minute winner to complete a sensational comeback for Roberto Martinez's side.

Despite this they made the effort the leave the changing room immaculate and left a message in Russian, "Spasibo", that translates to thank you.

Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui had Akira Nishino's side dreaming of a first ever World Cup quarter-final spot.

Japan supporters stayed behind to clear the stadium after defeat to Belgium

Japan's followers helped cement their position as best guests

Japan fans with tears streaming down their faces at full-time. But they proved they were not sore losers by cleaning up the Rostov Arena after the final whistle.

But first Jan Vertonghen's looped header found the net, Marouane Fellaini added a second and Chadli struck at the death to make it 3-2. They did the same after their stunning win over Group H opponents Colombia earlier in the finals.

Meanwhile Japan legend Keisuke Honda has announced his retirement from international football, falling three short of 100 caps.