Japan may have failed to win their fifth Asian Cup title after they were shocked by Qatar in Thursday’s final. However, the Samurai Blye showed why they are a class apart and an epitome of sporting behaviour.
After the their 3-1 loss, Japan cleaned their dressing room and also left a note that said “Thank You” in English, Arabic and Japanese.
After their 3-1 defeat in the AFC Asia Cup Final yesterday, Japan cleaned their dressing room and left a “Thank You” note in English, Arabic and Japanese. Class act. pic.twitter.com/6LnIZwq86g
— Mootaz Chehade (@MHChehade) February 2, 2019
Always the standards for discipline, cleanliness and exemplary behaviour, this is not the first time Japan has exemplified the term “gracious in defeat”.
Japan were eliminated by Belgium in the last 16 of the World Cup 2018 even after they led by two goals. What could have made news as a fairy-tale turned into a heart-break in the dying moments of the game.
The Asian giants later cleaned the dressing room and left a thank you note.
#SAYONARA: This is the #Japan team's dressing room after they lost to Belgium in the 94th minute at the #FIFA World Cup. They even left behind a note with "thank you" in #Russian.
— Mahesh Madusanka 🇱🇰❤️🇯🇵 (@MaheshNegombo) July 3, 2018
(Photo: Twitter/Priscilla Janssens, FIFA coordinator) pic.twitter.com/HnnW5L47eW
Japan proved that this was not a one-off thing, but a routine. Taking a defeat well and showing the hosts some gratitude is something we can all learn from their lead
