Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup – Group E – Japan v Spain – Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar – December 2, 2022 Japanese fans celebrate outside the following stadium match when Japan won the right to the knockout round. REUTERS/Issei Kato
TOKYO—Japan erupted in cheers and tears after the national team’s 2-1 win over Spain early Friday morning, with crowds packed to public viewing areas in the cold ahead dawn screams with joy as they stun another global soccer power at the World Cup.
Japan, who also shocked Germany in their opening match in Qatar, topped Group E to reach the round of 16, a period they have faltered three times before.
They will play 2018 runner-up Croatia for a place in the quarterfinals.
“Doha Delights Again!” a newspaper headlined its online edition, evoking memories of what the media called the “Miracle in Doha” following Japan’s victory over the Germans.
Fans chanting “Nippon” flocked to Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya intersection before sunrise, jumping up and down and shouting “Fight, fight, fight!” when the police tried to control the crowd.
“I never thought Japan would take the top spot. Thanks Japan! I love you!” said Yusei Sato, 19, wearing the Samurai Blue national team jersey of Japan.
Takuya Kudo, 23, was in tears as he watched Japan win.
“I am very happy,” he said. “Honestly, I never thought Japan would do this well. I was really touched.”
Fans lingering in Shibuya high-fived the weary commuters on their way to work from one of Tokyo’s busiest train stations.
Social media exploded with joy, exulting “Samurai Blue!” and “Come from behind to win!,” with some fans posting manga-style drawings of a cheering player in team uniform.
Another posted a cartoon of three dragons covered with the national flag. The Japanese dragon roared while the Spanish dragon looked at Germany, looking confused.
The tribute of Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka is a comic-style depiction of the Japanese team, while even Elon Musk tweeted, “Congratulations, Japan!”
The feeling of victory even increased at the height of normal Japanese politics, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida telling reporters that victory was “historic” and phoned Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu and Japan Football Association President Kozo Tashima to congratulate.
“I told them they gave the Japanese people courage and energy,” Kishida wrote on Twitter. “We are looking forward to the final round of 16. Do your best, Japan!”
BUT RELATED STORY
Continue reading
Register QUESTIONER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and more than 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to news, download as early as 4am and share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
For feedback, complaints, or requests, Contact us.
