While Tom Rogic put in a full shift with a goal and an assist in Australia’s World Cup qualifying victory over Vietnam in Melbourne this morning, Daizen Maeda has had to settle for a cameo appearance as a substitute in Japan’s 2-0 win over China in Group B of the Asian Qualifiers for the World Cup Qatar 2022.
Although it must be said for Maeda this is a step up from his last international call-up where Celtic’s new striker watched on entirely from the sidelines. This time Maeda came on as a 58th minute substitute for Vissel Kobe’s Yuya Osako, to ensure the hectic travelling was made worthwhile.
Japan won the game with goals from Yuya Osako who opened the scoring in 13th minute with a penalty and a second half header by Junya Ito after 62 minutes settled the contest in Saitama, with China failing to muster a single shot on target in game they had to win.
The win keeps Japan in contention in Group B on 16 points, one behind leaders Saudi Arabia and Australia in the battle for the two automatic qualifying places.
Japan are next in action on Tuesday, when they host leaders Saudi Arabia in a decisive contest in Group B of the Asian World Cup qualification section.
With Celtic short on players at this time it is all the more comforting to know that this time out Daizen Maeda is getting some action, and with such a huge encounter ahead on Tuesday, he could well have a part to play as Japan look to reach the World Cup in Qatar – and who knows, perhaps a chance to draw Scotland!
Niall J
