Jim Craig: Shunsuke Nakamura, the King of Japan

Packy Bonner won his 75th cap as Ireland lost 1-2 to Mexico in Orlando in the World Cup finals in the United States on this day in 1994.

Jack Charlton’s side – having beaten Italy in their opening match in Group E – then went on to draw 0-0 with Norway; and when Italy drew 1-1 with Mexico in the final match of the section, it meant that all four teams finished on four points, leaving the two sides with the best records – Mexico and the Republic of Ireland – to go through to the second round.

Shunsuke Nakamura was born on this day in 1978. After 148 appearances with Yokohama F Marinos and then 81 with Reggina in Serie A, he joined Celtic in 2005 and went to play 128 games for the club during the following four years, with 29 goals to his name. On 22 June 2009, Shunsuke joined Espanyol in La Liga.

Jim Craig

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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