Maeda nets as Japan thrash China

BBC

Thu, 5 Sept 2024, 10:08 am·1-min read

Celtic's Daizen Maeda heads home Japan's sixth goal in the rout of China [Getty Images]

Daizen Maeda followed up his Old Firm goal by netting for Japan as they thrashed China 7-0 in World Cup qualifying.

The Celtic forward came off the bench on the hour in Saitama and scored the hosts' sixth, heading home Junya Ito's cross to take his goal tally to four in 19 caps.

The statement win gives Japan a flying start to the third round of Asian qualifying in a group that also features Australia and Saudi Arabia, with the top two guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup.