All four of Celtic’s representatives at the World Cup are now through to the knockout last 16 of the tournament after Daizen Maeda’s Japan pulled off a stunning upset against Spain.
Maeda was handed his second start of the group stage up against the Spanish on a dramatic night that, at various stages, had all four teams in touching distance of qualification to the next stage.
Ultimately, the night belongs to Japan who staged another brilliant comeback against an elite team, this time turning over a Spanish 1-0 lead to win 2-1. Ritsu Doan of Freiburg was again a hero, with Ao Tanaka of Fortuna Dusseldorf scoring the winner.
Maeda’s most effective moment undoubtedly came in the build to Japan’s equaliser when his fearless pressing forced goalkeeper Unai Simon of Athletic Bilbao into a rushed clearout error.
The Japanese turned over the ball and quickly capitalised with Doan’s fierce shot sending their supporters into dreamland. It was evidence of the Celtic forward’s work rate paying off at the highest level.
Maeda was a thorn in Simon’s side throughout his time on the pitch and was eventually substituted off in the 62nd minute after a tireless shift leading his team’s frontline. By that point, Japan were 2-1 up.
On this showing, he has a great chance to start another match at the tournament. Japan were certainly much improved on their performance against Costa Rica, with Maeda’s persistence in attack surely a factor.
It’s utterly fantastic to see all four Celtic players through to the next stage. Every Hoops fan is now eager to see how Maeda, Aaron Mooy, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Josip Juranovic get on.
Congratulations Daizen and good luck with further progress!
In other news, No stress for Celtic despite media frenzy.
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