Hosts remain gracious — even in victory

If there was anything more striking than Japan’s performance on the field on Saturday in Shizuoka, then it was the conduct of their players and coaches off it after they had electrified a nation and a tournament that is already a success because of their win against Ireland.

There was no giddiness in the air as those responsible for one of the greatest upsets in the history of the tournament shared their thoughts on what had just happened and, far more importantly in their eyes, what still has to be done for this to really mean something in their eyes.