DAIZEN MAEDA displayed some of his old sparkle as Japan overcame Bolivia 3-0 in last night’s World Cup warm-up.
Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston joined their Celtic team-mate in next summer’s soccer showpiece in the USA, Canada and Mexico after Scotland’s dramatic 4-2 win over Kasper Schmeichel and his Danish colleagues who now go into the play-offs.
Japan had already qualified for the global event and Maeda took another chance to impress head coach Hajime Moriyasu who was taking charge of his country for the 100th time.
HAPPY DAIZ…Celtic star Daizen Maeda (No.10) celebrates with his Japanese team-mates after the 3-0 win over Bolivia.
The Hoops speedster played his part as his nation took the lead in the fifth minute through Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada before Shuto Machino and Keito Nakamura added second-half strikes.
Maeda played for 82 minutes and his form augers well for his return to Parkhead with the champions due to play St Mirren in a Premier Sports League Cup Final dress rehearsal in Paisley on Saturday night.
The 28-year-old frontman, who hit 33 goals last season but has claimed only four this time out, is determined to be involved in the World Cup extravaganza which kicks off on June 11.
Moriyasu insisted his team are building momentum heading towards the tournament and, speaking to Japan Today, said: “It doesn’t matter who we’re playing against, it’s up to us play our game and go in search of goals.
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