"They are really perfect guests."
This is a tribute from overseas media to Japanese soccer fans.
Even after Japanese fans watched the historic victory of their national soccer team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they did not miss the 'cleaning the stadium', which was hardened like their tradition, and it is becoming a hot topic again.
On the 23rd (Korean time), the Japanese national team caused a stir by winning a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over strong Germany in the first leg of Group E of the Qatar World Cup group stage held at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
Japanese players were spotlighted as the protagonists of surprises comparable to Saudi Arabia's 2-1 victory over Argentina in the Group C match held the previous day.
After the match, the lights were lit on the Japanese supporters.
ESPN, a global sports outlet, said, "Japanese fans celebrated their shock victory over Germany in Qatar's first match of the World Cup, reviving the wonderful tradition they have done after matches in various tournaments."
According to reports, Japanese supporters handed out hundreds of blue trash bags and remained at the stadium after the game to collect and organize trash left under the seats.
The sight of Japanese fans tidying up their seats before leaving the stadium is nothing new.
In the opening game of this tournament between Qatar and Ecuador held at Al Bate Stadium on the 21st, it was noticeable that other spectators removed trash and abandoned flags after the game, even though it was not a match for their own team.
In response, ESPN called Japanese fans 'perfect guests'.
US Fox Sports also praised the actions of Japanese fans as "the best tradition in sports".
(Photo = AP, Yonhap News)