Japan fans stay behind to tidy stands after witnessing incredible win against Spain

Japan fans stayed behind again to clean and tidy the stands after their incredible victory against Spain in the World Cup.

The Japanese fans have built up a reputation due to their kind gestures at the end of each match where they will pick up all the litter before leaving.

And they did not disappoint as they were captured tidying the stands after their country’s memorable 2-1 victory against Spain, which secured them a place in the last 16 as winners of Group E. You can watch the footage below.

Going into the last round of matches in the group, Japan knew they needed a positive result against Spain in order to get through to the next round.

Their task was made harder after a 12th-minute goal by Alvaro Morata, the goal was enough to earn Spain a 1-0 half-time lead.

However, in the second half, Japan came out fighting and produced a spirited display. Ritsu Doan got them back in the game in the 48th minute.

In the 51st minute, there was a huge VAR controversy as Ao Tanaka gave Japan the lead.

However, replays seem to show that the ball was out of play before Kaoru Mitoma managed to play it across. But after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was given.

In the blink of an eye, Japan turn things around! 🫣

Did it cross the line though...? 👀#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Y8C5FdBSVK

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 1, 2022

Japan managed to hold on to the vital three points, which allowed them to leapfrog Spain into first place.

After the match, Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu spoke about the moment that turned the game around.

He said: “Whether the ball was out or not, there is great technology nowadays for big football, and if it was really out, it would have been a goal kick.

“But the judgement of the referee is that it was in - and we respected that. We were able to accept it either way - and in the end, it was decided it was in.”

Up next for Japan will be a clash against the 2018 World Cup finalist Croatia, who managed to secure a place in the last 16 after a 0-0 draw with Belgium.