After the final whistle at Houston Stadium, Moriyasu approached the stands where many Japanese fans were gathered. He then bowed deeply to express gratitude to those who had traveled to the United States to support the team.
ESPN FC posted this moment on social media with the comment: "He bowed to express his gratitude to the fans who traveled a long distance to the United States to support the team. A heartwarming image."
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Japan national team coach Hajime Moriyasu bows after the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match between Brazil and Japan in Houston, 29/6. *Photo: AP* |
The post quickly went viral, receiving over 100,000 likes on both Facebook and X. Many international fans praised the 57-year-old coach's conduct and the Japanese team's performance.
User Argenpoirot wrote: "Thank you Hajime Moriyasu, Japan's coach. You are amazing. See you in four years. Go Nippon."
A Japanese fan with the account oggpiDijdv2Hxwt expressed a desire for Moriyasu to continue coaching the team: "Please be the Japan coach for another four years."
User talk_kaka encouraged the team: "Hold your heads high. Keep going. You all did great."
Another post by user SabriAmca1453, which garnered over 5 million views, described: "Coach Hajime Moriyasu and the players apologized to the fans. Hats off to them."
However, this interpretation sparked a debate among Japanese fans. Many argued that Moriyasu's bow was not an apology, but simply a gesture of gratitude for those who had supported the team.
User FzpZd responded: "From a foreigner's perspective, it might look like an apology. But to me, it's just gratitude for this place and the Japanese fans. The team fought hard; there's no need to apologize."
Echoing this sentiment, user DRUMLO also wrote: "It's not an apology. It's just gratitude for those who cheered."
In another video, coach Moriyasu gathered the players on the field, forming a circle after the match. While many players were still wiping away tears, the 57-year-old coach spoke loudly to encourage them. Afterward, he bowed to the players before leaving the circle.
This was not the first time Moriyasu drew attention for this action. After Japan lost to Croatia in the round of 8 at the 2022 World Cup, he also bowed deeply towards the stands to thank the fans.
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South Korea national team coach Hong Myung-bo (center) returns to Incheon International Airport, South Korea, 30/6, after resigning due to the team's early World Cup elimination. *Photo: AP* |
In contrast to the praise for Moriyasu, former South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo faced criticism for his conduct after the team's elimination from the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
South Korea lost 0-1 to South Africa in their final group stage match on 25/6, and was eliminated due to an insufficient goal difference to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
On 29/6, Hong held a press conference and announced his resignation. After reading a prepared statement, he left the room without taking questions from reporters. According to Chosun, images of Hong putting the statement into his back pocket and walking away with his hands in his pockets sparked controversy regarding his attitude.
On 30/6, upon returning to South Korea with the team, Hong again left the airport without answering any media questions. These images created a stark contrast with Moriyasu.
