Japan supporters celebrated a shock 2-1 victory over Germany in their opening 2022 World Cup game on Wednesday by cleaning up the stadium a gesture that has now been practised at several major tournaments.
Having just watched their side come from a goal down to overturn the former champions, the Japanese fans stayed behind in the stands at the Khalifa International Stadium — not to revel in the result but to make sure they left the place in precisely the state they found it.
Hundreds of blue refuse sacks were handed out by Japan supporters during the match which they used to tidy up and collect any litter that had been left under the seats.
This is not the first time Japanese fans have been seen cleaning up after a game at a major tournament.
They did likewise at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, most notably after a 3-2 loss against Belgium in the round of 16.
What’s more, Japan fans were even filmed tidying up litter and discarded flags at the opening game of the 2022 tournament, despite their own side not even being involved.