LONDON – Japan's women's soccer team lost a game but gained a worldwide army of admirers Thursday, thanks to its touching display of class following the Olympic final. 

The Japanese, winners of the Women's World Cup last year, came up just short in losing 2-1 to the United States at Wembley Stadium, and many of the players were so devastated that they wept onto the turf when the final whistle blew.

Less than 15 minutes later, though, they showed exactly how to bow out with dignity. While the Americans emerged from the locker room tunnel relishing a victory by sporting T-shirts emblazoned with a deserved boast – "Greatness Has Been Found" – Japan kept things a little more low key.

Led by captain Aya Miyama, Japan's players held hands as they walked onto the field, skipping, jumping, and smiling as they headed toward the podium, and a delighted crowd roared its approval. Once they stood on the dais, Miyama and her players leaped in the air as a victor might normally, then performed a special wave of respect to all corners of the stadium.

Any women's team could be forgiven for snubbing FIFA president Sepp Blatter for his previous sexist comments about how women's players should wear skirts. But just like the U.S. and bronze medalist Canada, Japan accepted its medals gracefully.