Fans praise World Cup atmosphere

Ireland supporters in Japan have said they do not agree with reports criticising the lack of atmosphere at the World Cup, being held in Asia for the first time.

Today, as they waited for their team’s next match against Germany, many fans said they would be telling people at home to visit Japan.

Pat Sexton 43, from Cork City, said he had decided to stay in a traditional inn with his wife Nora, 43, and son Billy, 20, to see a different side of Japan, and had been overwhelmed by Japanese enthusiasm for the tournament.

Visiting a temple in Narita near Ibaraki, where the team will play their next match, he said: ‘‘I think it is fantastic here.

‘‘The people could not be nicer, they’ve made such an effort, much more than the French did. They are helping to make the tournament.’’

His son Billy said: ‘‘Everyone, including the Japanese, are real supporters of their team. I read some bad things about the food before I came but everything is really nice. Anything we have wanted we have been able to get.

‘‘This is going to be a very popular place to come to now. Everyone says they are going to tell their friends to come here.’’

Outside the Ireland training ground in Chiba City today, Pat Sherry, 37, from Loughrea, Co Galway, said he agreed.

‘‘I want to see it all. I think people will go back and tell people to come here on holiday. I would never have thought about that before this.’’

Tony Smyth, 68, from Dublin, said the way supporters were being treated was great.

‘‘It is a beautiful country and they are beautiful people, very hospitable. This is the place to come.’’

He said he had been surprised at how many Republic of Ireland fans, from around the world, had travelled to the tournament, and said the atmosphere among them was fantastic.

Ireland play Germany at Kashima stadium in Ibaraki tomorrow evening in their second match of the opening round.