The World Cup came to an end for Daizen Maeda tonight in Houston.
The Celtic striker was outstanding for 90 plus minutes but Japan lost out to a stoppage time goal from Martinelli as Brazil won 2-1 to book a place in the last 16.
Up against Alisson of Liverpool and a central defensive partnership drawn from Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain didn’t faze Maeda in the slightest. If anything the reverse was true.
Maeda was a constant threat to the Brazil defence. At one stage in the second half he closed down Alisson, getting a touch but the clearance was completed.
MAEDA SHOWS HIS CLASS ON THE BIGGEST STAGE
It was classic Maeda. Japan had the edge in the first half. Deservedly taking the lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano.
All it took was a stray pass in midfield. Sano was on it, advanced 30 yards then shot low across Alisson into the net.
Japan could have increased their lead before half time.
Brazil were hesitant and unconvincing. Their fans groaned as the men in yellow shirts struggled to create.
Daizen Maeda ? https://t.co/1NBGqstEu1
— ????? ???? (@suryatjia) June 29, 2026
Eleven minutes into the second half Casemiro rose at the back post to head in an equaliser. At that moment the tide turned against Japan.
Maeda chased down everything going forward, and tracked back without hesitation.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time Japan lost possession on their left hand side. The ball was played into the penalty box, Martinelli took one touch then shot low to goal.
‘Keeper Zion Suzuki got a touch but not enough to stop the ball going inside the post.
After 10 minutes of stoppage time the final whistle blew. Brazil progressed, Japan drop out.
Maeda’s World Cup is over. After three impressive, industrial displays that included a goal against Sweden it would be as shock if there are no significant transfer offers heading Celtic’s way.
Keep Daizen Maeda at any cost, at this moment in time he is irreplaceable! 🙂
I thought Casemiro’s goal was avoidable as he rose unchallenged in lots of space to pick his spot with the header. Brazil’s 2nd stemmed from poor defending when one of them turned left towards his own goal-line when he could’ve and should’ve turned right and cleared it.
1st half Japan earned their lead as they were always up for the counter-attack and the goal was a belter as the guy got possession raced past 2 Brazilians and smashed it low into the left corner.
Japan invited Brazil to throw everything at them 2nd half and for me had to be braver and offer at least some threat. They didn’t, they lost and with the amount of corners and open play in Japan’s half it was almost guaranteed as they fucked about at the back with no threat going forward. Aye, a bit braver and who knows?