In the FIFA World Cup Qatar tournament, Japan faced Croatia, the runner-up in the last tournament, in the first round of the tournament, and lost after a penalty shootout, finishing the tournament in the round of 16.
However, Japan came from behind to beat former champions Germany and Spain 2-1.
Director Moriyasu and captain Maya Yoshida's hometown Nagasaki
A public viewing was held in Nagasaki City, the hometown of director Hajime Moriyasu and captain Maya Yoshida, and the locals cheered them on.
With the score still tied, the match went into a penalty shootout due to the inability to settle the game even after extra time. Japan was in a predicament with two players failing.
However, when Yoshida's shot was blocked, some people were frustrated and holding their heads.
And when Japan's defeat was decided, the people at the venue gave warm applause and praised their good fight so far.
"Yoshida became a captain representing Japan"
Yuji Yokota, chairman of Yoshida's supporters' association, said, "I thought that Yoshida had become a captain representing Japan. In the end, I think he was frustrated." I want to talk to her.I want to thank her when I return to Nagasaki.I was so moved that I thought I would cry when I met her."
"He lifted the spirits of all the people."
Norihiko Higuchi, who is a childhood friend of Director Hajime Moriyasu from Nagasaki and runs a sports bar nicknamed "Poichi," said, "By defeating the powerhouses Germany and Spain, Japan has shown that Japan is also strong. I'm glad you cheered me up. I hope you'll take some time off and do your best again for Japanese football.I'd like to say thank you for your hard work."
Mitoma and Tanaka's alma mater and hometown of Kawasaki City
Kaoru Mitoma and Midori Tanaka's hometown, Kawasaki city, and local shopping districts also praised their achievements.
A teacher who was involved in coaching soccer, "I wanted to see more success"
Shuhei Moriya, a high school teacher in Kawasaki City who was involved in coaching the two soccer players when they were in elementary school, said, "They've been talking about aiming for the world since they were in elementary school, and I think that's why they're here today. He did, but to be honest, I wanted to see him continue to play more games and play an active role."
Mitoma's classmate's teacher ``Teach students the importance of working hard until the last millimeter''
Also, in the match between Japan and Spain, Mitoma barely returned a ball that was about to cross the goal line, leading to Aoi Tanaka's winning goal. It was the first time for me to see him perform on the world stage, and I was energized every day.I know the tears after the game against Croatia, so my heart ached.I hope he will be active again in the next World Cup. I want it, and from now on, I want to tell my students the importance of working hard until the last millimeter, which Mitoma taught me."
Children at alma mater also support
At Saginuma Elementary School in Kawasaki City, the alma mater of Kaoru Mitoma and Aoi Tanaka, in the hallway, children wrote letters to the players after they had decided to advance to the final tournament, such as "Please win against Croatia," and "Aim for it." The message "Winning!" was decorated.
Principal Miyo Kobayashi said, "I think it's really disappointing that there were some unfortunate shots from Mitoma, but it's the result of all the players doing their best, so I hope they can move forward again. I think so," he said.
“We will continue to support the Saginuma Brothers”
A public viewing of the Croatia match was also held at the Saginuma Shotenkai in Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki City, which supports Kaoru Mitoma and Midori Tanaka as the "Saginuma Brothers", and about 50 people cheered enthusiastically. I was.
Kazuo Sugawara, chairman of the shopping association, said, "At the end, when Mitoma failed to score a penalty kick, I was moved to see Tanaka running up to him. The town was lively and energized. I would like to continue supporting the 'Saginuma Brothers'."
"Proof that I can compete with the world, I want to express my gratitude"
At the public viewing venue in Tokyo, a big sigh leaked out at the moment when it was decided that they would be eliminated, but after that, applause broke out in the venue, praising the Japanese players.
A man in his 40s who rushed to the public viewing this time as well as the previous tournament said, "I'm very disappointed with the result of the match, but the players brought it to the penalty shootout and brought me one step ahead of the best 8. 4 I will do my best to support the games later in the year,” he said.
A university student also said, "The players have proven that Japan can compete against the world by taking the lead in the group. I would like to express my gratitude."
A woman in her 30s who visited with her husband said, ``I was able to see the athletes running until the end. ”, he was appreciative of the players.
Overseas media also praise Japan's good fight and attitude
Regarding Japan's defeat to Croatia, American CNN TV said in an electronic version article, ``Japan lost, but in the World Cup, they defeated Germany and Spain, creating a big impact, and they were one step away from reaching the quarterfinals for the first time.'' I commended him for his bravery.
On the other hand, he analyzed that the experience of penalty kicks in the last tournament was the difference between the victory and defeat, saying that ``previous experience helped Croatia to surpass Japan''.
The electronic edition of the British newspaper Daily Mail also said, ``Japan left the tournament with a lively performance and a shocking victory in the primary league, with many friends. I cleaned up the room, left a small origami, and delivered a smile," he praised the attitude of the Japanese national team.