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6 years ago

Heartbroken Japan fans clean stadium in tears

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Devastated Japan fans have proved that they are not totally down in the dumps by picking up rubbish once again after their defeat to Belgium.

Belgium's 94th-minute goal sent Japan out the World Cup 2018 after they had raced into a two-goal lead.

Japanese were dreaming for a first ever World Cup quarter-final spot as Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui scored two goals earlier.

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.

After the defeat, Japan fans with tears streaming down their faces at full-time, report agencies.

But they proved they were not sore losers by cleaning up the Rostov Arena after the final whistle.

They did the same after their stunning win over Group H opponents Colombia earlier in the finals.

The scenes had been repeated in Brazil, too, four years ago.

This latest effort no doubt cements their reputation as best guests.

Japan coach Nishino said after the game: "I am devastated. Yes we took the lead but we couldn't win.

"It might have been a very small difference but I felt there was nothing in it.

"Maybe it was my decisions as a coach or my tactics, and we couldn't keep up with Belgium, who upped their game.

"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."

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