From bars to temples, Japan fans flock for World Cup win

When Japan's Blue Samurai take on Belgium today for a spot in the World Cup quarter finals, fans nationwide will pack spots from bars to temples to cheer them on.

They are the undisputed underdogs against star-studded Belgium, but Japan weren't even expected to qualify from their group after a chaotic and disappointing run up to the tournament.

The team's surprise turnaround has delighted fans at home, with people determined to stay up and cheer despite a time difference that means Monday's game starts at 3:00am Tuesday morning local time.

At a sports gear shop in Tokyo, several fans were out stocking up on kit before the game.

"I think there is a chance to win," said Yuta Makino, predicting Japan would sneak by Belgium 2-1 with goals by Shinji Kagawa and Yuya Osako.

"Since Belgium have a lot of famous players, I want (Japan) to concentrate on defence and look for a window of opportunity," said Makino, a 19-year-old university student, at an outlet of Soccer Shop KAMO in Tokyo's entertainment district of Shinjuku.

Hikaru Sasayama, also a university student, was planning to watch at a public viewing at a movie theatre, dressed from head to toe in Japan's strip.

"I'm afraid Belgium are stronger as they are faster and taller than Japan, but I want to cheer them on loudly from the theatre," Sasayama said.

Shin Abe, 20, said he expected the whole region would be cheering for Japan, the only Asian team to make it to the last 16.

"I hope Japan will set Asia alight by winning as Asian teams have been defeated every time," said Abe, who was planning to go a sports bar to watch the game.

- Zen approach -
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