Japan leaves 'thank you' note and clean lockers after World Cup loss

Japan confirmed its status as one of the FIFA World Cup's classiest teams following their heartbreaking loss to Belgium.

The note left in the locker room, via Tancredi Palmeri Source: Twitter

VISIT THE WORLD GAME FOR THE LATEST FIFA WORLD CUP NEWS

While Monday's World Cup action gave us a victory by favourites Brazil over Mexico, it also delivered some of the classiest gestures of the tournament by Japan.

An injury-time Belgium goal sealed a dramatic 3-2 win over Japan in their round of 16 match at Rostov Arena.

The visibly heartbroken Japanese players slumped to the floor at the final whistle, having blown a two-goal lead at half-time.

But instead of storming off the pitch, Japan's players remained to pay tribute to their fans by forming a line and bowing.

The fans, in return, showered the side with cheers after a magical tournament run, which saw them defeat Colombia and draw with Senegal.

Confirming their status as being the most well-mannered team at the tournament, the Japanese players cleaned out their locker room at Rostov Arena and left a note that said "спасибо," Russian for "thank you".

The pleasantries were also seen by Japanese fans who cleaned rubbish from the stands, a gesture they had done following the side's group stage matches.

Heartbroken Japanese fans clean the stadium's stand after Japan was defeated by Belgium in the Round of 16 during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Source: AAP