Daizen Maeda was the Japan goal-scorer as they drew 1-1 with Sweden at the World Cup.
The Celtic striker showed good close control to open the scoring in the 56th minute but the Swedes equalised soon afterwards.
After scoring nine times in Celtic’s last seven matches Maeda entered the World Cup in goalscoring form.
In the group opener he was replaced after an hour in the 2-2 draw against Japan. In the match against Tunisia Maeda remained on the bench.
His recall against Sweden came with reward as Maeda scored in the second consecutive World Cup.
NEXT UP FOR MAEDA IS BRAZIL
Second place in Group F brings the ‘reward’ of a Round of 32 match against Brazil.
Japan go into the match with some expectations but the aura of Brazil at the World Cup is difficult to over come.
Ben Nygren was dropped to the bench by Sweden. Their point also takes them into the last 32 where they will face France.
Maeda?
“I just wanted to focus on my first touch. It came off perfectly, so all that was left was to slot it into the net.”
“I was really happy, of course; so many people were cheering for me, and I’m glad I could live up to their expectations.” https://t.co/jkUpknO0V6— ???Naru??Japanese Bhoy Studios? (@CelticStudio_JP) June 26, 2026
While Maeda was scoring in the early hours of the morning some of his Celtic team-mates were preparing for Day 1 of pre-season training.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Luke McCowan will be part of the reduced squad at Lennoxtown today.
Eight players are in action at the World Cup with other internationalists excused for a further week.
With six loan players leaving at the end of last season the squad reporting today will be thin on numbers.
Martin O’Neill should be there to meet the players but there is still no word on his backroom staff.
There has been three weeks of speculation over the futures of Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham in the absence of club comment.
Celtic have confirmed the departure of Gavin Strachan who has joined the coaching team at West Brom.
Celtic’s first pre-season friendly is away to Shelbourne on July 7 with the SPFL action kicking off on August 3 at home to Dundee.
NOTE: Auston Trusty scored for the USA in their 3-2 defeat to Turkey. In the Round of 32 they will play Bosnia Herzegovina.
Two Celtic players score in their World Cup matches last night
and the papers who are over there reporting on the World Cup don’t want to mention it
Trusty was down in agony with a sore leg…
Hope it’s not too serious…
Bloody international football !
Harold @ 2.50pm…
Dunno how you can but these papers buddy !