As Japan's Samurai Blue headed home from Russia after their World Cup dreams ended in heartbreaking fashion in defeat by star-studded Belgium in the round of 16, players took to social media to thank fans and teammates.

Southampton defender Maya Yoshida (@MayaYoshida3) tweeted, "I'm still extremely disappointed! However, we can't let ourselves be in a standstill! Let's keep charging forward, Japan! To all our fans, staff members, players, and the Japanese people, thank you!"

"Thank you guys!" midfielder Keisuke Honda (@kskgroup2017) said, tweeting a group photo of himself and fellow players on the plane homeward bound. The former AC Milan man has said the World Cup in Russia will be his last.

On Urawa Reds defender Tomoaki Makino's Instagram account (@makino.5_official), which shared a similar team photo as Honda's, fans left words of gratitude and encouragement.

"Nice smiles on everyone's faces and you all look refreshed! It was a match that showed team unity! Thank you for the great efforts!!" commented @sachimama3kids, apparently referring to the round-of-16 game in which Japan lost 3-2 to Belgium.

Meanwhile, Hannover midfielder Genki Haraguchi (@Haragen24) tweeted a selfie with Makino, saying, "I am glad to have been able to go to the World Cup with this guy. He stays positive at all times no matter what, and is the one who can lift everyone's spirits up."

Galatasaray defender Yuto Nagatomo had a heartwarming message for captain Makoto Hasebe, who has announced he is retiring from the national team.

"Makoto Hasebe.
We've been on the national team together for 10 years now, and you've always been so well-prepared and organized at all occasions.
Although at times perhaps overly so that you fail to get our jokes (laugh).
Getting to know Hase-san, my concept of "captain" has changed.
It's hard to put in words, but you're simply of such great stature.
I am proud to have been able to compete in a team under such a captain.
Arigato!"

Ahead of their departure from Russia, the Samurai Blue also made sure to send their support for the 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand.

Along with messages in Japanese, English and Thai, the post on the Japan Football Association's official Facebook account (@samuraiblue) also included a short video clip of the players saying in Japanese, "Don't give up! Hang in there!"

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World Cup: Japan captain Makoto Hasebe retires from national team

World Cup: Japan midfielder Honda says World Cup in Russia is his last

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