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Japan's Players Redefine Sportsmanship

By Melissa Locker, Time, 07/09/18, 10:15AM PDT

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Japan's players respectfully bowed to their opponents. They then filed into the locker room to change. But before they departed they left the room completely spotless and even left a thank you note in Russian for their hosts.

Japan suffered a devastating loss against Belgium in the knock-out round of the World Cup, after leading the game 2-0 with just 25 minutes remaining in the second half.

The shocking 3-2 loss meant Japan was out of the soccer competition and headed home. Before they left, though, the heartbroken team showed an impressive display of good sportsmanship and even better manners.