DEVASTATED Japan fans prove they are not totally down in the dumps – by picking up rubbish once again after their last-gasp defeat to Belgium.
Nacer Chadli’s 94th-minute winner sent Japan packing after they had raced into a two-goal lead.
Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui had Akira Nishino’s side dreaming of a first ever World Cup quarter-final spot.
But first Jan Vertonghen’s looped header found the net, Marouane Fellaini added a second and Chadli struck at the death to make it 3-2.
Images showed Japan fans with tears streaming down their faces at full-time.
But they proved they were not sore losers by cleaning up the Rostov Arena after the final whistle.
They did the same after their stunning win over Group H opponents Colombia earlier in the finals.
The scenes had been repeated in Brazil, too, four years ago.
This latest effort no doubt cements their reputation as best guests.
Japan coach Nishino said after the game: “I am devastated. Yes we took the lead but we couldn’t win.
“It might have been a very small difference but I felt there was nothing in it.
“Maybe it was my decisions as a coach or my tactics, and we couldn’t keep up with Belgium, who upped their game.
“I don’t want to admit it. I do feel that it was a tragedy but I have to accept the defeat as a fact.”
