Despite bankruptcy and the threat of losing the World Cup: Japan fans clean up the garbage in the stadium

Created: 11/28/2022, 12:18 p.m

By: Corbinian Kothny

Japan suffer a bitter defeat against Costa Rica in their second group game.

Despite the bankruptcy, the fans are enthusiastic about a special campaign.

Munich –

The Japanese had imagined it differently.

After the surprising 2-1 opening win against Germany at the 2022 World Cup, the Blue Samurai suffered a 0-1 defeat against Costa Rica on Sunday.

The good starting position before the group final on Thursday is gone for now.

World Cup in Qatar: Clean up instead of frustration - Japanese fans inspire

Despite all the frustration and the certainly great disappointment, the Japanese fans once again attracted attention with a remarkable action.

As they did against Germany on Wednesday, the islanders picked up the trash at the al-Rayyan Stadium after the final whistle against Costa Rica.

Armed with large, blue plastic garbage bags, the Japanese emptied the ranks of leftover food and empty bottles that had accumulated during the game.

Despite losing to Costa Rica, the Japanese fans were at their best.

© IMAGO/Esteban Biba

World Cup in Qatar: fans explain the clean-up campaign

There were similar pictures in addition to the Germany game at the opening game between Ecuador and Qatar.

There too, after the final whistle, Japanese fans could be seen picking up the rubbish.

The Bahraini influencer and YouTube star Omar Al Farooq had observed the whole scene at the start of the World Cup and asked a few fans about the motives.

“We Japanese never leave rubbish behind.

We respect the place," said one woman.

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Japanese fans already at the 2018 World Cup with exemplary behavior

There had already been similar images at the 2018 World Cup in Russia: when the Blue Samurai lost 3-2 to Belgium in the round of 16, the Japanese fans also picked up the rubbish in the stadium.

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While the World Cup visitors from Japan are gathering sympathy from all over the world, national coach Hajime Moriyasu's team is about to reach the round of 16 at the World Cup on Thursday.

World Cup in Qatar: Everything is still possible in Group E

The Japanese currently occupy second place in the table with three points.

In the long-distance duel with Germany and Costa Rica, however, they need at least one point on Sunday against Spain to move into the knockout phase.

However, should Germany win against Costa Rica by at least two goals on Thursday, Japan will need a win for the round of 16.

(kk)