The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Nakamura thinks Japan should have scored more goals
Shunsuke Nakamura reckons Japan should have beaten Scotland far more convincingly after revealing he was blown away by the reaction he received in Glasgow.
The Celtic hero returned to Scotland for the first time in 12 years in his new role as a TV pundit and watched his Japanese countrymen deservedly defeat Scotland at Hampden.
Nakamura visited Celtic Park as part of the trip, where he met up with his former team-mate Neil Lennon and thoroughly enjoyed his visit to the stadium he once graced.
But he was critical of Japan for being wasteful against the Scots.
Nakamura said: “We won’t get as many chances to score goals at the World Cup as we did against Scotland. So I think it’s important to emphasise the point that we have to be more clinical.
“We created plenty of chances and we really should have won by more.
“But our weaknesses were apparent – our final ball and our lack of finishing.
“We do have a good understanding between the players in the squad and playing against England next will be an excellent experience.
“I have to say I was overwhelmed by the welcome I received on my return to Glasgow.
“The welcome was more than I expected and people called out to me wherever I went.
“I was delighted to meet Kieran Tierney again and thrilled that he has reached the very top as a player.
“Celtic Park was exactly how I remember it.
“There were some renovated parts, but it was nostalgic for me. I was happy that my captain Neil Lennon came to see me as a surprise.”
Meanwhile Ivory Coast boss Emerse Fae has urged his side to pile on the misery for Scotland, but admitted that he is a big admirer of Steve Clarke’s side.
Scotland face the African nation for the first time ever in Liverpool tomorrow after their defeat to Japan.
In contrast, the Ivory Coast romped to an easy 4-0 win in Milton Keynes over South Korea, who had Celtic star Yang Hyun-jun starting his first international match for nine months.
But manager Fae insists he is expecting a sterner challenge from the Scots.
He said: “I believe that Scotland are at a higher level than South Korea and it will be a very big test for us.
“They are a strong team and it will give me a good chance to prepare my final World Cup squad list. We are going into the game in a pretty good place after scoring four very good goals.
“We didn’t concede any either, that’s important for the confidence, it’s important for the team.
“It means that the team defends well and also attacks well.
“We also showed that we are capable of winning and playing good matches against teams that have World Cup experience, so it’s encouraging for the future.
“South Korea did cause us some problems, but we regrouped well and I was pleased at the way the players performed.”