Japan's national soccer team has returned home to a warm welcome. The squad advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup for the second consecutive tournament.

The Samurai Blue players were greeted by some 600 fans at Narita Airport near Tokyo.

The team did not advance beyond the round of 16, but it did finish at the top of its group, beating former champions Germany and Spain.

Japan's coach, Moriyasu Hajime, told reporters that every member of the squad needs to aim for a higher level by continuing to compete against other rivals.

He said, "The future of soccer in Japan depends on improving the players' individual ability so they become stronger. I also told them unity is a Japanese asset, and they must stay that way."

Captain Yoshida Maya said, " We mustn't stop here. We have many matches ahead of us. As long as we are professional soccer players, we must win matches every day."

Yoshida says he hopes more children develop an interest in soccer and that he wants to contribute to the growth of the sport in Japan.