Celtic star Daizen Maeda came off the bench to help Japan to a World Cup qualifying win over Saudi Arabia at Saitama Stadium this morning, and with his appearance cast a level of doubt as to his participation in tomorrow’s Glasgow Derby. 
Ange Postecoglou had not ruled out any of his international players from being involved in Wednesday’s Glasgow Derby, and expected all to have returned by the time the clash with theRangers was due to start, however the proviso was clear, if those involved played for their country, they would not be considered for selection.
That was always likely to rule Tom Rogic out, given he’s a mainstay of the Socceroos’ side and expected to start the game with Oman, but in the case of Maeda, there was hope the Japanese striker may not be involved in such a crucial match.
In the end Maeda replaced Vissel Kobe’s Yuya Osako, as he had in the last fixture against China, this time replacing Osako in the 68th minute of the match.
Daizen’s one touch pass here 👀👀👀
What a move, deserved a better finish than that. pic.twitter.com/7pUpJylCJi— ショーン | Sean G. (@sean_1am) February 1, 2022
Junya Ito was the orchestrator for Japan in the 2-0 win at the Saitama Stadium this morning. The RKC Genk winger set up Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino to score the opening goal after half an hour before scoring a wonderful strike to put Japan two goals to the five minutes into the second half.
The result moves Japan to within a point of Saudi Arabia at the top of their AFC World Cup Qualifying group, ahead of Australia’s game against Oman that kicks off at 4pm this afternoon, an encounter of course that will almost certainly feature Celtic’s Tom Rogic.
Daizen Maeda 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 last time out, coming on after 58 minutes, this time out he was introduced ten minutes later, and our new signing looked sharp in his brief moments coming close to scoring twice, and exhibiting some tidy link up play in a game played in a far from physical manner and with not a great tempo to the encounter by the time Maeda entered the play.
The question now will be, will Ange Postecoglou stick to his guns and discount Daizen Maeda’s involvement, or will a mere combined 54 minutes of football over both qualifiers mean Postecoglou will revisit his stance, with perhaps a place on the bench as a compromise. We may well find out at the manager’s press conference this afternoon.
So Maeda plays after 68 minutes, it’s now to Ange Postecoglou to make a decision. Maeda has played 54 minutes combined over two games. Might still have a shout for the bench perhaps.
Now who is going to track his plane back from Japan?
Niall J
FULL TIME
Japan 2-0 Saudi Arabia
Huge huge huge huge huge win for Japan, with Junya Ito the hero. Fans can be pretty confident ahead in terms of qualifying but just like 4 years ago we’re still at that point of… is this the starting XI that will get us to the promised land?
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) February 1, 2022
