The FIFA World Cup 2022 has been providing us with the best soccer entertainment in the past few weeks. Since the start of the World Cup, there have been many heartbreaks as teams lose in the biggest tournament in the world. Similarly, there have been many fairytale stories as well. For example, Morocco’s journey to the knockout stages this year would be one every soccer lover enjoys.
One of the teams who gave it its all was Japan. They started their campaign in stunning fashion with a 2-1 victory over 2014 world champions Germany. It looked like they were going to go on and have a good finish at the tournament this year. However, it looks like 2018 finalist Croatia had other plans. The Luka Modric-led country beat Japan on penalties today to knock them out of the round of 16.
They beat Germany. They beat Spain. They were knocked out by 2018’s finalists only on penalties.
Japan gave it their all š pic.twitter.com/2l3iAoSbPS
ā B/R Football (@brfootball) December 5, 2022
The Asian country did extremely well to get to this stage. They toppled European giants like Germany and Spain during the group stages to reach the round of 16.
Soccer fans react to Japan’s exit from the World Cup
It looks like Japan has won everyone’s hearts at this year’s tournament. Many have expressed their respect, sympathy, and admiration for the Asian team who performed their hearts out in Qatar. A user tweeted, “Penalties are so cruel. Heartbreak for Japan.”
Penalties are so cruel. Heartbreak for Japan š š
ā Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) December 5, 2022
They deserve massive respectššš
Beating Spain, Germany and only losing to the World Cup finalists on penalties is mightily impressive.ā Futuristic TLXF (@tomiwa_giwa) December 5, 2022
Big up to Japan šŖšŖthey fought their hearts out but they always next time and I know they come back strongeršÆšÆ
ā Oliver_khanā¢ (@amiany_o) December 5, 2022
ā”ļø Defeated Germany
ā”ļø Defeated Spain
ā”ļø Qualified for the knockout stage as a group topper.What a tournament for Japan’s national teamšÆšµš
ā Malayan FTBL Community (@FtblMalaya) December 5, 2022
Japan winning everyones hearts š
ā Harikrishnan47 (@Harikrishnan472) December 5, 2022
Japan played really well today. They lacked experience which got reflected in penalties. Livakovic was brilliant. Japan deserves big applause for such a great quality on pitch.
ā Kaiser (@kaiser_sb@mastodon.lol) š³ļøāš (@SB_speaking) December 5, 2022
Majority of the soccer world has sympathized and tipped their hats for Hajime Moriyasu’s men. One of the reasons why many adore the Japanese team is the way they portray themselves at the biggest stage in the world. After the games, Japanese fans make it a point to stay behind and help to clean the stadium that they have spent time in.
Even after a heartbreaking loss in the Round of 16, Japan fans stayed after the match to clean the stadium šÆšµ
The beautiful game ā¤ļø pic.twitter.com/70ASQuMMgb
ā ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 5, 2022
This was the case after the game against Croatia as well. Japan’s fans stayed behind to make sure they left the place just like how they found it before the game. This has won the world’s hearts, especially since the fans have done it for quite some time now. The Asian country will leave Qatar with their heads held high after displaying that they have what it takes to perform at the highest level.
