Soccer-Tears of joy in Japan after nail-biting win over Spain

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group E - Japan v Spain - Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar - December 2, 2022 Japan fans celebrate outside the stadium after the match as Japan qualify for the knockout stages REUTERS/Issei Kato

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan erupted in cheers and tears after the national team's 2-1 win over Spain early on Friday, with crowds packing public viewing areas in the pre-dawn cold shrieking with joy as they stunned another global football power at the World Cup.

Japan, who had also shocked Germany in their opener in Qatar, finished top of Group E to reach the last 16, a stage where they have faltered three times before.