Image source, Getty Images

I'm afraid it is goodbye from me, and goodbye from them. Japan waved farewell to a memorable World Cup campaign after another impressive victory, while their respected coach Eddie Jones also said sayonara to the nation.

We will be back next week for the quarter-finals, the Brave Blossoms will return in four years on their own patch. Until next time...

Wow...what a hectic final day of World Cup pool stage action we have seen. What do you mean you've been out all day and missed it? Tsk. Here are the key stories...

Ireland win over France marred by injury

Captain O'Connell's Ireland career may be over

Italy secure 2019 World Cup qualification

Argentina score nine tries to beat Namibia

Image source, AP

Image source, PA

Some interesting quotes emerging from the bowels of Kingsholm. Departing Japan coach Eddie Jones appears to indicate that he would be willing to hear what the RFU had to say if he was approached by them about replacing the under-pressure Stuart Lancaster...

Japan and the United States are not the only sides to wave cheerio to the Rugby World Cup for another four years though. Ten other teams - including hosts England (as if you need reminding) - are also playing no part in the business end of the tournament. Here's how the quarter-final line-up looks...

South Africa v Wales: Saturday 17 October, 16:00, Twickenham, London

New Zealand v France: Saturday 17 October, 20:00, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Ireland v Argentina: Sunday 18 October, 13:00, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Australia v Scotland: Sunday 18 October, 16:00, Twickenham, London

The Japanese party shows no signs of slowing down. Strains of a Japanese-accented rendition of Neil Diamond's karaoke classic 'Sweet Caroline' can be heard in the background of the live television broadcast from Kingsholm. I hope Gloucester's premier nightclub is in the process of roping off its VIP area for 40-odd Japanese rugby players and staff turning up in a couple of hours...

Image source, Reuters

USA skipper Chris Wyles admitted before that the game was likely to be his World Cup swansong. Although he didn't nab the victory that he craved, the 32-year-old Saracens full-back did create a bit of history for himself. Wyles's second-half try means he now stands alone as the USA’s top try scorer (four) in World Cup history.

United States captain Chris Wyles, speaking to ITV: "It came down to consistency and that was the story of our World Cup so you have to give credit to Japan. 

"They showed what you can do with four years of proper preparation. There's talk about our potential and it's about finding the right formula. It's tough for our guys, we need to get everyone on the same level.

"Any time you play in a World Cup it is an amazing experience. Ultimately though you want to come and compete. No-one wants to come and just lose games. We showed some good glimpses of rugby but we need to find a full 80 minutes."

Image source, AP

Heart-warming scenes as the entire Japan squad gather in one corner of Kingsholm to pose for the dozens of gathered cameras. Flashbulb lights go ten to the dozen as the snappers get their perfect shots. And so do the fans, who also sing in harmony with the Brave Blossoms players. Brilliant.

Image source, AP

Japan coach Eddie Jones speaking to ITV: "I've done my job with Japan and that's me done. I wanted to bring back pride and I've done that.

"If I look at that squad about 60% of them can go on until 2019. A home World Cup should be an advantage. Obviously for us it would be great for us if South Africa won the World Cup now.

"Tonight we played as well we as we can. It's been fantastic. The guys have all played above themselves and played in a real great spirit. The USA kept coming and it was their best performance and I don't know why they saved it for us!"

• Japan are the first non-Tier One team to win three matches in a single World Cup
• Ayumu Goromaru is the first player to score 50+ points in a single World Cup for Japan
• At the end of the pool stage only Greig Laidlaw (60) has scored more than Goromau in 2015 (58)

Jovial Japan coach Eddie Jones is not down there yet because he has been collared by the post-match interviewer. The Stormers-bound boss says he is not tempted to continue at the Japan helm. Then he says he hopes South Africa - who his underdogs shocked at the start of the tournament - win go on to win. "That will be great for us," he says, with a glint in his eye.

Pandemonium down on the Kingsholm pitch as the Japan players wander round the perimeter to soak up all the plaudits on a well-deserved lap of honour.

Head coach Eddie Jones, who is now leaving his role, watches down from his spot in the stands.

Kids, flags, selfie sticks...they're all on the turf.

Image source, AP

If the 2015 World Cup was a popularity contest then Japan might well have won the damn thing. But, in real money, that crucial defeat by Scotland means they fell just a point shy of reaching the knockout stage.

It doesn't matter. They have impressed the world with their exciting brand of rugby and, with plenty of excitement back home, it all bodes well for 2019 when they host the tournament.

Image source, BBC Sport

But it is a different picture for the Americans who slump to the greasy Gloucester turf. Four matches, four defeats.

Image source, BBC Sport

Japan's players jump into the air and embrace each other, knowing they can now be considered as their nation's greatest ever team. They have won three matches at a World Cup for the first time - and will return home as national treasures.

The Americans desperately go through the phases but that is all that it is...desperate. And when Japan do win the turnover, the ball falls into the hands of full-back Ayumu Goromaru who smashes into touch. All over!

Image source, AP

Japan try to run the ball from deep, prompting shrieks of excitement from the Gloucester crowd. But they are punished for holding on with Andrew Durutalo - the USA's standout performer - causing trouble at the breakdown. He marches forward from a quick tap, but can't find a way through the cherry and white defence.

And that's the sound of USA's hopes being extinguished by Japan. The Americans lose their discipline at the crucial time, gifting a kickable penalty to the lethal boot of Ayumu Goromaru. He snaffles the three points.

Image source, Getty Images

As USA move within a converted try of hauling themselves level, they return to their full complement of players as the ginger-bearded Eric Fry - who a touch of the Alexei Lalas about him - comes backs on.