Back in Osaka there were some special celebrations as Japan shocked Germany with a 2-1 victory in their opening match at the World Cup.
Watching the action with some fans kitted out in Celtic shirts were the proud parents of Daizen Maeda.
After an earlier spell with Maritimo in Portugal there must have been a few concerns for the Maeda family when Daizen decided to give Europe another go when the call came from Ange Postecoglou a year ago.
Playing in the Champions League and the World Cup Finals are the ambitions of most footballers, over the last month Maeda’s parents have watched their son in action in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and now at the World Cup in Qatar.
?????In OSAKA, Daizen Maeda’s birthplace,
friends (?) in Celtic jerseys and parents watched the Germany match on public viewing.Daizen’s father commented thus.
“I was extremely impressed!!
It was a victory won by everyone.
Fantastic!!” pic.twitter.com/ekMR6exuAK— ??????????JapaneseBhoyStudios (@CelticStudio_JP) November 24, 2022
On Sunday Japan face Costa Rica knowing that a win against the side that was hammered 7-0 in their opener will put them in a very strong place for the final group match against Spain on Thursday.
“Daizen Maeda’s a Celtic Warrior!” I really like Daizen. His speed is a potent weapon!