Ally McCoist has told ITV Sport’s coverage of Japan’s shock win over Spain at the World Cup that Celtic star Daizen Maeda is a “nuisance” – praising the star for his “absolutely unbelievable” work rate, as Japan finished top of the group.
In what was one of the most-dramatic evenings in the World Cup so far, Germany – the 2014 Champions – have been knocked out. The second time in two World Cups that Germany have failed to make it out of the World Cup groups.
Germany needed to beat Costa Rica. They did – eventually. Going 1-0 up, Costa Rica came back to lead 2-1 – before Germany won 4-2. A repeat of the scoreline in the opening game of the 2006 World Cup. They needed Japan to lose.
Alvaro Morata put Spain 1-0 up. But immediately after the half-time break, Japan scored two quick-fire goals. It saw Japan, quite incredibly, finish top of the group above Spain in second – and Germany in third. Maeda started again.
Maeda started the win over Germany, having a goal disallowed – in which McCoist criticised him for being offside. He was unused against Costa Rica – but started and played an hour last night. McCoist praised the £18k-a-week man.
Before the start of the match, McCoist said: “Maeda’s work rate is absolutely unbelievable,” and then, after five minutes of the match, McCoist continued: “He looks really sharp. He makes himself a nuisance, works his socks off.”
McCoist: Celtic star Maeda is a nuisance, work rate is unbelievable
What a performance from Japan. To beat, arguably one of the most-impressive countries in Qatar so far in Spain. The first half looked as though Spain would cruise to a win – despite Luis Enrique making a series of changes to his side.
They were superb in the second 45. They looked inspired. It is unbelievable that Japan beat both Spain and Germany, but lost to Costa Rica. Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma was excellent for Japan once again. Maeda was in and out of the game.
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