June 14th marks one of the most important dates that Japan’s football community will for all time commit to their memories, and one that has probably already occupied a gleaming space in the nation’s history books. The moment in question was Keisuke Honda’s goal in the 39th minute of their match against Cameroon at the Free State Stadium in Mangaung/ Bloemfontein. This goal made an historic feat for Japan as it meant that they won their first FIFA World Cup match in a foreign soil with a 1-0 victory.
The strong finish which placed Honda in Japan’s history books came from an assist as Daisuke Matsui crossed into the top left corner of the net. Following his several crosses, he was able to swing the ball which soared enough to bypass Cameroon defenders and the ball fell at a distant post to Honda. Honda needed just few seconds to gain control of the ball and then fired an attempt straight to the net and passed Cameroon goalkeeper Hamidou Souleymanou. The shot came after a failed goal attempt from the opposing team, with Japan’s goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima denying Enyong Enah’s shot that sprung from a low effort commencing the left corner.
The indomitable Lions of Cameroon, being one of Africa’s best bet in the competition, tried to come back in the second half. However, several scoring attempts were foiled b y the tough defense of the Japanese Squad. Keisuke Honda, without a doubt, was elected as the Man of the Match.
Japan’s first game hero Keisuke Honda, is currently playing for CSKA Moscow in Russian Premier League as their team’s midfielder and sometimes play at left full back. The 24-year old native of Osaka Prefecture started his career at Settsu. Years after training and studying, in 2004, he was selected in the Designated Players for Development by J. League and JFA. In January of 2008, he signed a 6-month deal with VVV-Venio for Eredivisie, where he was awarded the Most Valuable Player of The Year in 2008-2009 Season. Prior to his stint in this European tourney, Honda was a member of Japan’s contingent in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championships and U-23 National Team. The team also qualified in the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, China.
After snatching 24 goals in 64 appearances, Honda caught the attention of some major clubs in Europe including Liverpool, Everton, PSV and Ajax. But it was CSKA Moscow who won his nod and signed as €6million deal with the team. During the second leg of the Champions League, he nailed the winning goal that sealed CSKA Moscow’s victory against Spain’s Sevilla. He became the first Japanese to ever score in this knockout match. Today, Honda is considered to be one of Asia’s Brightest Young Stars.
Since the 1954 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, the Japanese squad has been trying to qualify and play ball within the parameters of the finest league in the land. It was only after 44 years that they succeeded and entered the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. They almost reached the platform of World Cup in 1994, but they failed to beat Iraq in the Asian Qualifying Tournament.
Unfortunately, the Japanese National Team went home scoreless in the 1998 World Cup after absorbing three consecutive blows from their group mates Argentina, Croatia, and Jamaica. By the time they co-hosted the competition in 2002 with South Korea, Japan went on to advance to the second round as they garnered 2 victories against Russia, 1-0, and Tunisia, 2-0. They went on to bag a better than ever (in their previous World Cup stints) finishing at 9th position.
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