Japan clean up dressing room after Women's World Cup win and leave touching message

Japan players tidied their dressing room after defeating Zambia in the Women's World Cup - and left a classy message for staff.

Futoshi Ikeda's side got their World Cup campaign off to the perfect start, recording a 5-0 win over Zambia in Hamilton.

They top Group C on goal difference ahead of Spain, who beat Costa Rica 3-0 on Friday.

Hinata Miyazawa scored twice for Japan, who won the Women's World Cup in 2011 before reaching the final in 2015, where they lost to the United States.

At the 2022 men's World Cup, the Japanese contingent left their dressing room spotless after recording a famous 2-1 win over Germany, having also done so after their defeat to Belgium in the 2018 edition.

Now, the Japan women's players, staff and fans have all done likewise.

Japan players clean dressing room after World Cup win

Japan made sure to thoroughly clean and tidy the dressing room at the Waikato Stadium, putting all their towels into a large bag and hoovering the floor.

Drinks were placed on the centre table of the room and under each player's individual area, with coat hangers also hung up.

And on a whiteboard, the team wrote 'arigatou' - meaning 'thank you' in Japanese - and drew an image of the national flag.

The Japan team left a message for the stadium staff following their #FIFAWWC victory today ❤️

They wrote 'ARIGATOU' (meaning 'Thank You') on the whiteboard, and left their dressing room spotless 👏#BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/V27zNmuO3I

— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) July 22, 2023

Japan supporters were also seen picking up litter from the stands after the game and putting them into bags.

Fans took to social media to praise the players and fans, with one writing: "What a classy and selfless act. Credit to the Japan team."

Another said: "Japan have to be the most likeable side out there."

A third added: "Japan all class on and off the field."

Japan are next in action on Wednesday at 6am UK time, when they take on Costa Rica. A point would be enough to see them qualify for the round of 16 stage, should Spain defeat Zambia in their respective matchup.

Japan and Spain then face off on Monday at 8am UK time to conclude Group C.