In the soccer World Cup, Japan came from behind to beat Spain and decided to advance to the final tournament.
Despite the fact that the game was played early in the morning, many people cheered for the team, and shouts of joy were heard throughout the country.
Saitama Stadium: Cheers erupt even after the match
The cheers of the overjoyed supporters erupted around the stadium after the match as Japan secured a place in the knockout stages with a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Spain.
A 29-year-old man from Saitama Prefecture said, "I'm happy, but I can't believe it. I think the match against Costa Rica was a difficult match and the atmosphere in Japan was depressed, but I'm glad I believed and continued to support." I was bursting with joy.
Also, a 34-year-old man from Tokyo said, "The injury time in the second half was so long that my heart almost stopped, but I was really happy when I won. I think the leadership of Coach Moriyasu, who endured the first half and won the second half, was wonderful. I feel like I'm about to cry, but I think it's still early, so I want to win one more match and cry," he said while holding back tears.
On the other hand, the overseas supporters who watched the match also seemed excited about Japan's victory, and were heard praising Japan with words like "Congratulations", "Congratulations", and "Wow".
Manager Moriyasu Cheering from Yoshida's hometown, Nagasaki
A public viewing of the World Cup soccer match against Spain was held in Nagasaki City, the hometown of manager Hajime Moriyasu and captain Maya Yoshida, and the local supporters cheered them on.
Nagasaki City is the hometown of Director Moriyasu and Yoshida, and a public viewing was held in conjunction with the Japan national team's match to support the team.
Even though it was early in the morning, more than 70 local supporters gathered at the venue, Nagasaki Civic Hall, to cheer them on.
In the first half, when Spain took the lead, the audience let out a big sigh.
Then, in the second half, when Doan Ritsu's powerful shot equalized the score, all the crowd gathered to their feet and clapped their hands for joy.
When Aoi Tanaka pushed in and scored a come-from-behind goal, the crowd erupted in cheers.
Also, in the closing stages of the match, the local team's Yoshida displayed a strong defensive effort, and the cheers were particularly loud.
And when the match ended like this, the people in the venue stood up all at once and gave a big applause to the team that decided to advance to the final tournament with a come-from-behind victory.
Cheers at Shibuya's scramble crossing
In Shibuya, Tokyo, even though it was early in the morning, many supporters watching the game at restaurants gathered around the scramble crossing and cheered and celebrated Japan's victory.
A 20-year-old male university student said, "The first half of the game was tough, but I was rooting for them, believing that they would turn the game around. After the score was tied, I was moved when they quickly turned the game around." .
A 19-year-old male university student also commented, "I think we were able to score against Spain, a powerhouse, by playing our own football and making the most of the limited opportunities we had. I was talking.
After that, many groups gathered around the scramble crossing and the congestion became intense, and it was seen that people repeatedly high-fived each other. I was calling you.
Spaniard living in Japan "I want you to fight again in the final"
Spaniards living in Japan gathered at restaurants in Tokyo run by Spaniards to cheer the players on.
At a Spanish restaurant in Ogikubo, Suginami Ward, 11 people, including Spaniards living in the Tokyo metropolitan area, gathered to support the national team.
Immediately after the start of the match, I watched the tense game unfold, but when Spain took the lead, the Spaniards stood up and gave high-fives to express their joy.
Immediately after the start of the second half, when Japan scored the equalizing goal, there was a momentary silence in the store, and some people were depressed.
Furthermore, when Japan reversed the match, they said, "It's unbelievable, Spain made a big mistake," and encouraged each other by saying, "Spain will definitely win."
At the end of the game, everyone who gathered applauded and praised the good performance of the players of both teams.
A Spanish man in his 50s who visited the store said, "I was thinking of taking a nap because I'm going to work, but I would like to congratulate both players on their good fight."
Felipe Gómez Fernández, the owner of the shop, said: "I didn't expect this kind of result, but I think it was a good match. I hope that both teams can go on to the final and play again. Then Spain will win. I was talking.
Prime Minister Kishida's tweet, "I sincerely respect your efforts"
Prime Minister Kishida posted on his Twitter account, "We won against Spain! Congratulations on finishing first in the World Cup group stage! Coach Moriyasu and the players were under a lot of pressure, and they were able to achieve a great result in the biggest match of the season." I would like to express my sincere respect for everyone's efforts, and I would like to share the joy of breaking through the league with everyone in the nation."