In the early hours of Friday, Japanese fans were out in the streets of Tokyo and other big cities, celebrating the country’s stunning 2-1 soccer victory over Spain in the third round of the World Cup in Qatar.
The team will now advance to the final round of 16 teams, after topping Group E in the early rounds. That’s even after some questioned whether that controversial second Japan goal should have been allowed. Luckily for Spain and its fans, Germany’s victory over Costa Rica kept the Iberian nation in the tournament, though the Germans are going home.
The celebrating didn’t extend to the Nikkei 225 index
NIK,
-1.59%,
which finished Friday’s session 1.5% lower and down 1.7% for the week, tracking losses on Wall Street. But a handful of stocks matched the enthusiasm of those tidy Japanese fans, many of whom were weeping with joy when the final whistle blew.
Shares of Hub Co.
3030,
+7.03%,
whose British style pubs offer live sports viewing for fans, climbed 7%. CyberAgent Inc.
4751,
+3.95%,
which is broadcasting and live streaming all the World Cup games on its platform, rose nearly 4%. Stock in sporting goods company Mizuno Corp.
8022,
+0.98%
gained 1%.
The team that has surprised the world with its tenacity and determination will next take on Croatia in a knockout round on Monday.
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