Hundreds of soccer fans witnessed Japan's heartbreaking World Cup defeat to Croatia at a public viewing spot in Tokyo. Their reaction to the loss, however, was largely positive.

Wearing the uniform of the national team, many fans watched a large screen set up in the vicinity of Tokyo Tower.

The crowd roared when Maeda Daizen netted the opener in the first half. But the fans turned jittery again after Croatia got the equalizer to take the game into extra time.

There was a sigh of disappointment after Japan lost in the penalty shootout. But it was soon followed by a round of applause.

A man in his 40s said it was heartbreaking. But he said he is grateful that the Samurai Blue managed to take the game into the shootout and bring fans so close to the round of eight.

A college student said Japan's team proved that they can fight on the international stage, by finishing top of the group.

A woman in her 30s said she was impressed that Japanese players kept running till the last minute. She added that she will continue to root for the team.