All three of Celtic's Japanese stars started on the bench against Indonesia in their World Cup qualifier earlier today.
Japan won 4-0, climbing to 10 points in their qualifying group, five points ahead of second-place Australia.
Kyogo Furuhashi, back in the national team fold for the first time in two years, was an unused sub on the day, whereas Reo Hatate came on with 11 minutes of normal time remaining.
Daizen Maeda played the entirety of the second half, coming on for goalscorer Takumi Minamino after the break – the latter of who made it 2-0 after 40 minutes. The rest of Japan's goals came from a Justin Hubner own goal to open the scoring on 35 minutes.
After Minamino's strike, Hidemasa Morita extended their lead to three with 49 minutes on the clock, before Yuikinari Sugawara made it four exactly 20 minutes later.
Read more:
- Japanese media highlight Kyogo's 'valuable edge' in national team
- Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi finally recalled to Japan national team
Ahead of the match, Kyogo's reintroduction into the Japan set-up was praised by Japanese national media.
One publication said: "The decision to reintegrate Furuhashi into the squad reflects a strategic move to bolster Japan's attacking options. His experience in European competitions provides a valuable edge."
While another said: d: "Furuhashi's consistent goal-scoring ability at Celtic has been instrumental in his recall to the national team.
"His agility and precision in front of goal are assets that Japan aims to leverage in the [World Cup] qualifiers."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here