Soccer fans elated at Japan's win over Colombia

NHK -- Jun 20

Japanese soccer fans have been celebrating their national squad's 2-1 win over Colombia in its first group match in the World Cup finals.

In Tokyo's Shibuya district, hordes of fans sporting replica uniforms exchanged high fives as they passed a crossing near a railway station.

About 100 police officers were mobilized to handle the crowd. Officers urged the pedestrians not to stop on the intersection.

A woman on her way back from a public viewing event said Japan's teamwork is getting better.

A man said Yuya Osako, who scored the winner, was "just great." A boy said he wants Japan to beat Senegal and reach the knockout stage.

In downtown Osaka, many people chanted the names of the players.

A man said he was impressed by Shinji Kagawa's early opening goal, which he scored from a penalty, and that he wants the squad to do their best in the coming matches.

As of midnight Tuesday, there had been no report of football-related disturbances.

Jun 20 (ANNnewsCH) - 日本中が歓喜に包まれました。2018FIFAワールドカップロシア。日本代表が大事な初戦で南米の強豪・コロンビアを破りました。