In the closing light of Japan’s international window, Take Kubo collected the Kirin Cup after helping his country through a demanding final against New Zealand. The Real Sociedad attacker began the match and spent more than an hour at the centre of Japan’s forward play before the hosts secured a 2-1 victory.
Japan made the sharper opening and imposed their tempo from the first whistle, taking an early lead in the final. New Zealand, however, responded before half-time, drawing level to ensure the teams went into the interval at 1-1.
Kubo was selected from the outset and carried a significant attacking responsibility for the Japanese side. He was withdrawn in the 65th minute as the coaching staff managed his workload, and Japan found the decisive goal six minutes later, in the 71st minute, to seal the trophy.
With his international duties completed and another title added to his season, Kubo will now travel back to Donostia. Pellegrino Matarazzo is set to welcome him into the squad’s work at Zubieta during the week, with Deportivo de La Coruña due at Anoeta on Sunday.
