Celtic winger Daizen Maeda has sent a classy, good luck message to Hoops teammate Josip Juranovic ahead of the World Cup quarter-finals.
Both Maeda and Juranovic have featured heavily for their nations in Qatar as they reached the knockout stages of the tournament.
On Monday afternoon, the Celtic duo were pitted against one another as Japan and Croatia faced off in the last 16.
With a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs, it was a competitive fixture between the two sides, who were extremely keen to advance.
Japan were first to strike in the game, with Daizen Maeda opening the scoring and notching his first strike at this year’s World Cup.
However, his goal wasn’t enough to see Japan through, with the experienced Croatian side striking back into the second half.
The two teams couldn’t be separated after 90 minutes or even in extra time, with the game being decided by a penalty shootout.
And it was the 2018 finalists, Croatia, who came out on top in the end, advancing to the next round, where they will face Brazil for a place in the last four.
Neither Juranovic or Maeda took a spot kick, with the forward being substituted and the Hoops designated penalty taker being six in the pecking order.
It was an extremely disappointing end to a strong campaign for Maeda, and the 24-year-old was visibly upset after the result was decided.
However, the Celtic attacker was comforted by club teammate Josip Juranovic, who took time away from his celebrations to speak with Maeda.
It was a classy move by the right-back, consoling a disappointed Maeda. Both players have grown close in recent months at Parkhead and are regularly seen celebrating one another goals.
Ahead of Croatia’s meeting with Brazil this Friday, Maeda has returned the classy favour to Juranovic, wishing the defender and his nation all the best of luck.
Taking to Instagram, the Japan international posted pictures alongside his club teammate before stating: Good luck Jura 👊🔥. See you in Glasgow💚.”
Juranovic quickly responded to the gesture by saying: “Always with you! Thanks champ! ❤️”
Both gestures from Maeda and Juranovic just go to show the brilliant atmosphere Ange Postecoglou has helped create behind the scenes at Parkhead.
The Celtic manager has always emphasised how important it is to have the right characters at the club, and he has built a squad full of them.
The Hoops duo have built up a close bond since Maeda’s arrival in January of this year, and it has been on display since Croatia’s victory over Japan.
I am sure Maeda will be able to get over the initial disappointment, and soon he will be joking about scoring against Juranovic and his international teammates.
Either way, the entire Celtic squad will be joining the winger in his sentiment in wishing Juranovic all the best of luck against Brazil this coming Friday.
In other news, The impressive Celtic international presence that continues to grow.
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