Morocco Fans Emulate Japan, Clean Stadium After World Cup Win Over Belgium

• Morocco beat Belgium in their second group game of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup to boost their chances of progression
• The performance was eye catching as was the gesture of the Moroccans, who cleaned the stadium after the match
• It was not the first time Atlas Lions fans did so, having also tidied up after their opening game draw against Croatia

The Atlas Lions of Morocco announced themselves to the world as a team to beat, after conquering the Red Devils of Belgium 2-0 in their second group game.

Morocco fans, despite the euphoria of the win, showed their courteous side by waiting after the match to ensure the stadium stands were cleaned, emulating the Japanese who began the trend four years ago in Russia.

Goals from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal secured victory for Morocco, who are on course for progression to the last 16 with four points from two games - and a final group game against the already eliminated Canada.

World Cup: Tunisia break 44-year curse following draw against Denmark

Football

Morocco will move on if they beat Canada, regardless of the outcome of the match between Belgium and Croatia. They will also qualify if Croatia beat Belgium, regardless of their own result.

It wasn't the first time

The Moroccans may have caught the eye of the world now for their courteous gesture, but it was not the first time the North Africans have done so.

According to pictures and footage shared on Twitter, the Moroccans also cleaned the stadium after their opening game against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, which ended in a draw.

It remains to be seen whether more nations will embrace this gesture, carrying out the message on the captain's armbands of most nations which reads 'Save the planet'.

How far will Japan go?

Sports Brief earlier reported that the Japanese explained why they clean stadiums after their matches, stating it is a cultural approach of leaving places as clean as they can.

Germany eye World Cup redemption as Spain, Croatia kick off

Football

The world may not see this gesture long enough, as Japan face a difficult match against Spain in their final group game. The Asian nation must get at least a draw and hope the other result favours them.

However, with Moroccans already embracing similar gestures, other nations could join in and we could see stadiums being cleaned by fans after games up until the end of the Mundial.