Japan's football team returned home to an enthusiastic reception on Thursday after having exceeded expectations at the World Cup.

Thousands of fans waved flags that read "Thank You" when greeting the squad at Kansai International Airport.

Japan surprised many by beating Cameroon and Denmark in group matches before being defeated in a penalty shootout by Paraguay in the round of 16 on Tuesday.

"We returned a little earlier than we wanted," coach Takeshi Okada said. "We wanted to play one more game, but this was a great team that did a good job of representing the spirit of Japan."

It was the first time Japan had reached the knockout stage of a World Cup on foreign soil. Japan also reached the second round when it co-hosted the 2002 tournament.

Keisuke Honda, who scored twice in the group stage, paid tribute to his teammates.

"My teammates supported me and created situations that made it easier to score," Honda said. "But to be honest, I am disappointed, so will work hard to improve."

The team's performance in South Africa touched off large celebrations at home.

Thousands went to stadiums around the country to watch public showings, while Tokyo pubs and sports bars were open all night and packed. After the win over Denmark, the normally sedate streets of Tokyo erupted in celebration.

Okada, who said before the tournament he was targeting a semifinal berth, has indicated he will step down as coach. Guido Buchwald, a former Urawa Reds coach and German defender, has been mentioned as a possible replacement.

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