Bizarre decision by Japan boss as Celtic’s Daizen Maeda benched for shock defeat

The Celtic Star

·27 November 2022

Bizarre decision by Japan boss as Celtic’s Daizen Maeda benched for shock defeat

Celtic’s Daizen Maeda was an unused sub as Japan were defeated 1-0 by Costa Rica. Having started and impressed in the 2-1 win over Germany, many had expected the attacker to continue up front given his tenacious pressing.

Although, Hajime Moriyasu decided against starting Maeda but then decided against bringing him onto the pitch, a decision he may greatly regret given the result.

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Costa Rica defender Keysher Fuller scored late as the Japanese found themselves on the end of a shock defeat. Japan went into the game as huge favourites after the result against Germany. Not to mention the fact that Costa Rica were soundly dispatched by the Spanish last week but the state of play meant that a win would all-but confirm progression to the next round.

Germany will be buoyed by the result as the Japanese face one of the tournament favourites, Luis Enrique’s Spain in their final match. Morisyasu raised eyebrows in Scotland with the decision not to pick Kyogo Furuhashi, who had previously been a stalwart in his squads.

Germany play Spain later today and the result in that game will determine what the Japanese side require in the final game to ensure qualification.