apan's national soccer team has returned from the World Cup in Russia and was welcomed by a cheering crowd at Narita airport near Tokyo.

Coach Akira Nishino and his 23-man squad arrived at the airport on Thursday.

Japan reached the knock-out stage for the third time and the first time since 2010. But the team lost to Belgium 3-2 in the round of 16 match on Monday. Japan has never advanced to the quarterfinals.

Nishino and team captain Makoto Hasebe received flowers in a ceremony at the airport's arrival lobby.

Many fans cheered loudly as the members appeared in the lobby, smiling and waving to the fans.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180705_14/