Japanese fans further cemented their reputation as one of the politest sets of supporters at World Cups as they were filmed helping to clean up the Mordovia Arena in Saransk after their side’s 2-1 victory over Colombia.
This is my favourite moment of the World Cup so far; Japan fans picking up litter after their victory vs Columbia. The lessons in life we can take from the game. Why I support 🇯🇵 #class✅#respect✅#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FyYLhAGDbi
— Christopher McKaig (@Coachmckaig) June 19, 2018
Win, lose or draw, fans of the Samurai Blue clean up after themselves with bin bags they’ve specifically brought into the ground for that purpose. They made headlines around the world with a similar display of tidiness during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. As well as their cleanliness, Japanese fans also lit up the game against Colombia with a wide array of costumes.
The victory lifted spirits at home, after a difficult week for the nation which started on Monday with a 6.1 magnitude earthquake striking Osaka, killing five people and injuring hundreds more.
Fans watching Tuesday’s match at pubs and outdoor bars in downtown Tokyo celebrated when Japan clinched their win, flooding into Shibuya’s famous “scramble crossing,” prompting scores of police to come out to ensure order.
And at the Russian World Cup, this time the Japanese move seems to have started a trend, as Senegalese fans were later seen tidying up after themselves following their victory over Poland.
Senegal fans cleaning their section, class ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cxJo0NpNEH
— infosmessi (@INFOSMESSl) June 19, 2018
It all leaves the 15,000 volunteers who are working on the 2018 World Cup with a little less work to do.
But it wasn’t just Senegal’s fans who caught the eye on social media. There was huge interest in the Senegal, coach Aliou Cissé. A veteran of the team that shocked France in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup, people were entranced by his dramatic tactical instructions from the game’s sidelines.
What tactic is this? pic.twitter.com/R8e3w4aDMp
— Don Cuccittini (@DonCuccittini) June 19, 2018
What tactic is this? Part 2 pic.twitter.com/CLhCEvAx2U
— Don Cuccittini (@DonCuccittini) June 19, 2018
Social media also fell in love with Cissé’s visible rapid mood change at the conclusion of the game.
Aliou Cissé is me when the DJ finally plays my song and then switches to the remix before the first verse even finishes. pic.twitter.com/FMoPHmlvxL
— Miriti Murungi (@NutmegRadio) June 19, 2018
The world’s tidiest sets of supporters will come face-to-face when Japan and Senegal meet in Ekaterinburg on 24 June, with each side knowing that a win would almost certainly see them through to the next round.
