DAIZEN MAEDA has apologised to the Japanese support for the nation’s exit from the World Cup after they lost out to a stoppage-time goal against Brazil in Houston last night.
The Celtic striker, who scored his team’s goal in the 1-1 draw with Sweden on Friday, said sorry for not meeting the expectation levels of the fans.
The Japanese, with Maeda putting in his usual 100 per cent shift, led at half-time against the Brazilians following a spectacular solo strike from Kaishu Sano just before the half-hour mark.
Carlos Casimero headed in a close-range equaliser 11 minutes after the turnaround and the tie looked to be heading for extra-time when the five-times winners of the competition struck the winner in the fifth minute of the six added on.
HAPPY DAIZ…Daizen Maeda joins in with his Japanese team-mates as they celebrate the opening goal against Brazil in Houston.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli pounced to punish a rare moment of slack defending from the opponents when he fired in a low drive.
Maeda took to Instagram to say: “I’m so sorry I didn’t meet your expectations.
“I’m just proud of what I’ve built up to this point with players, staff, family and fans and supporters in the past 3.5 years since the Qatar World Cup.
“Thank you very much for all your support.”
Maeda went out of the tournament the day after Celtic team-mate Alistair Johnston celebrated Canada’s first group win in their history when they overcame South Africa in Los Angeles.
Benjamin Nygren and his Swedish team-mates take on France in New Jersey this evening.
