Japan came close to pulling off one of the surprise results of the World Cup but a late counter attack from Belgium in the final move of the game left them out of the tournament and on their way home.

The Samurai Blues, with Betis player Takashi Inui in sparkling form, enjoyed a prominent role in Russia, and the hosts will be sorry to see them go.

Throughout the finals, right from their opening game, Japan's fans have shown the rest of the world how well mannered and civilized they really are, clearing up after themselves to leave the stadium spotlessly clean, a practice that is rarely, if ever seen at European football grounds.

Japan fans
Japanese fans clean the stadium after the round of 16 match against Belgium. Photo: Twitter

And it isn't jut the fans who have left facilities in Russia exactly as they found them to set a good example.

All feelings of sadness and disappointment at being eliminated didn't stop Japan players and coaching staff from cleaning up after themselves to leave their technical area and dressing room spotless before travelling back to their hotel.

Japanese fan
A Japanese fan cleans the stadium after the round of 16 match against Belgium. Photo: Twitter

They did such a good job of it, that the photo looks as though it could have been taken before the game.

And there was another touch of courtesy by the Japan team before they bid Russia and the World Cup farewell - a small, discreet 'Thank You' note, written in Russian, left on a table in the centre of the room.

Japan dressing room
The Japanese team left their changing room spotless with a 'Thank You' note in Russian. Photo: Twitter

A thoughtful gesture which will surely have been appreciated.

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