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June 6, 2024
Japan’s Keito Nakamura and Koki Ogawa showcased their scoring prowess in a 5-0 victory over Myanmar during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Yangon. The Samurai Blue, having already secured their place in the next qualifying round, solidified their first-place position in their group with this decisive win.
In the 17th minute, Nakamura opened the scoring for Japan, displaying his skill and agility as the Gamba Osaka standout raced down the left flank, deftly cut onto his right foot, and delivered a powerful shot into the net. Building on the momentum, former Gamba player Ritsu Doan doubled the lead after Daichi Kamada’s shot rebounded off the post, allowing Doan to capitalize on the opportunity and extend Japan’s advantage to 2-0.
The second half saw Ogawa, currently on loan from Yokohama FC to a Dutch club, showcase his goal-scoring capabilities by adding two more goals to Japan’s tally. First, he showcased his aerial prowess with a well-executed header off a precise cross at the back post. Then, he displayed opportunistic instincts by pouncing on a loose ball in the box, drilling it into the net for a commanding 4-0 lead.
Nakamura, determined to put the finishing touches on Japan’s superb performance, sealed the match in stoppage time with a breathtaking curling effort from 20 yards out, leaving no doubt about the Samurai Blue’s dominance on the pitch.
This crucial match also presented an opportunity for Vissel Kobe goalkeeper Daiya Maekawa to strengthen his case for the No. Securing the coveted #1 spot, the Japanese team. Moreover, Takumu Kawamura of Sanfrecce Hiroshima secured his second cap and first competitive appearance, highlighting the growth and development of Japan’s squad.
Japan will continue its pursuit of World Cup qualification when it hosts Syria in Hiroshima on June 11. This marks the conclusion of the second round of the AFC’s qualifying route. As the third round approaches in September, the Samurai Blue will look to build on their impressive performance and secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The introduction of The Kokuritsu Day for the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J.League season has proven to be a resounding success in its early stages. Massive crowds have filled the Japan National Stadium, creating an electrifying atmosphere as they witness thrilling matches featuring reigning J1 champions Vissel Kobe, traditional giants Yokohama F·Marinos, Kashima Antlers, Urawa Reds, FC Machida Zelvia, FC Tokyo, and Tokyo Verdy, have built their reputations through numerous triumphant moments on the field.
The first Kokuritsu Day featured Tokyo Verdy’s long-awaited return to J1 for the first time since 2008. Fuki Yamada’s spectacular free-kick set the stage for a memorable victory before F·Marinos snatched a dramatic win with goals in the 89th minute and stoppage time. The following Kokuritsu Days saw FC Tokyo take center stage, delivering exhilarating performances as #NextGenJLEAGUE stars Ryotaro Araki and Kuryu Matsuki shone brightly in a 2-1 win over Urawa Reds. Four days later, FCT secured another victory, with Teruhito Nakagawa and Riki Harakawa sealing a 2-0 triumph against Kashima.
Vissel Kobe and FC Machida Zelvia were the next to face off at the Grand National Stadium in a highly anticipated clash between last year’s champions and this season’s top team. Ultimately, Vissel Kobe emerged victorious, thanks to critical goals from Kakeru Yamauchi and Yoshinori Muto. The stage was also set for an epic confrontation between the J.League’s most prominent giants: eight-time champions Kashima Antlers and five-time winners F·Marinos. The match lived up to its billing, with Antlers scoring three second-half goals to claim a thrilling 3-2 win, propelling them to the top of the league standings as they chase their first J1 title since 2016.
The exhilarating Kokuritsu Day events have undoubtedly surpassed expectations, drawing immense crowds and delivering unforgettable moments at Japan’s most iconic venue. With seven more scheduled dates in 2024, the J.League’s finest talent will continue to grace the National Stadium, offering fans an extraordinary experience they won’t want to miss.
Here’s a list of the remaining Kokuritsu Days:
Sunday, June 16 (14:00 KO) – Vissel Kobe vs. Kawasaki Frontale
Saturday, July 13 (19:00 KO) – FC Tokyo vs. Albirex Niigata
Saturday, July 20 (18:00 KO) – FC Machida Zelvia vs. Yokohama F·Marinos
Saturday, August 24 (19:00 KO) – Yokohama F·Marinos vs. Cerezo Osaka
Saturday, August 31 (18:00 KO) – FC Machida Zelvia vs. Urawa Reds
Saturday, September 14 or Sunday, September 15 (TBD KO) – FC Tokyo vs. Nagoya Grampus
Saturday, November 9 (TBD KO) – FC Machida Zelvia vs. FC Tokyo
As these highly-anticipated events continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of football enthusiasts nationwide, the Kokuritsu Day series promises even more thrilling action and memories in the coming months.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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