The scene of Japan national football team head coach Hajime Moriyasu bowing to fans in apology immediately after his team's loss to Brazil in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is drawing significant attention.
After Japan's 2-1 comeback loss to Brazil, Moriyasu was seen in tears as he bowed deeply to both his players and the fans.
During the post-match press conference, Moriyasu said, "It is truly regrettable that we have to leave the tournament here." With tears in his eyes, he added, "I am very frustrated right now, but I want to accept the result. Many Japanese fans came to the stadium today, and many others cheered for us through the broadcast," as he apologized to the supporters.
This has sparked angry reactions among football fans, who are contrasting his behavior with that of former South Korean national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
After failing to advance to the Round of 32, former coach Hong held a press conference at the national team's base camp in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, to announce his resignation. After reading a prepared statement, he left the venue without taking any questions.
At the time, Hong was captured putting his statement into his back pocket and walking away with his hands in his pockets, which drew criticism from some fans regarding his attitude. Later, when Hong returned to Korea through Incheon International Airport, he walked past the scene with his head held high, seemingly unfazed by the fans' criticism. This led to angry voices among fans, who asked, "Is this the proper attitude for someone who is supposed to be apologizing?"
Reported by Kim Taewon | Video by Lee Dain | Graphics by Lee Sumin | Produced by SBS Digital News
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