Kyogo Furuhashi ended his nine month international absence with a second half goal in Japan’s 6-0 Kirin Cup win over El Salvador.
A lot of water has flown under the bridge since last September when the Celtic striker played in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador before the pain of missing out on a place at the World Cup Finals in Qatar.
Celtic seemed to be the beneficiaries of that decision with the striker powering his way to 35 domestic goals as Ange Postecoglou’s side won the Treble.
Hajime Moriyasu has a very distinctive style of play with Daizen Maeda leading the line in Qatar while being played on the wing for Celtic, supplying crosses for Kyogo to convert.
The Kirin Cup allows Moriyasu to try out different options with Kyogo taking his chance, scoring with a well placed header.
古橋亨梧。
これ。この動き。。🌀The goal was scored from a very Kyogo-like move to deceive the defence🍀🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/zkXkldPDE2
— 🍀🇯🇵📽️Japanese Bhoy Studios🎨 (@CelticStudio_JP) June 15, 2023
Kyogo. Post-match interview.(1/3)🇯🇵🍀
💬I was well and good prepared to leave a result when I was called upon.
💬I was excited and wanted to score,
I also played with the joy of playing in front of everyone because they gave me great support. → https://t.co/3COAnWSwSc— 🍀🇯🇵📽️Japanese Bhoy Studios🎨 (@CelticStudio_JP) June 15, 2023
Kyogo told Hochi News:
I’m excited and eager to score goals and they [the Japan fans] gave me really great support.
Yuki (Soma) gave me a good ball and I was able to calmly put it on course, so that was good. I was trying to play inside and put it in the box.
I expect results and scoring. I’ve been working hard all year. I think it gave me confidence. I want to prepare well and compete with everyone.
On Tuesday Japan play against Peru after which Kyogo can get a well deserved break.
