Catania´s Morimoto impresses in Japan debut

Catania striker Takayuki Morimoto has made a stunning debut with the national team, promising to boost Japan’s badly needed firepower ahead of next year’s World Cup.

The crew-cut 21-year-old was sent on 56 minutes into a friendly against an under-strength Scotland on Saturday and played a role in both goals in Japan’s 2-0 win.

“Morimoto was so aggressive in getting into the goal mouth. That was more than I had expected of him,” coach Takeshi Okada said. “He really has an extraordinary sense.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Christophe Berra slotted the ball into his own net when he tried to clear a cross towards the 180-centimetre (six-foot) tall Morimoto, in the 82nd minute.

With the game in injury time, Morimoto turned and shot hard against a Scottish defender in front of the goal. VVV-Venlo midfielder Keisuke Honda slammed in a rebound.

Morimoto was hailed in the sports press on Sunday.

“I have always watched them play since I was a kid,” he said of the Japan team. “I have come to feel strongly about Japan since moving to Italy.”

Morimoto moved to Catania in August 2006 after two years with J-League side Tokyo Verdy.

His debut with Tokyo Verdy in March 2004 at the age of 15 years and 10 months, made him the youngest player in J-League history.

He has scored 12 points in Serie-A games, including a team best of three this season.

The Sports Hochi daily said that with Morimoto, Japan are on course to “solve their perennial problem — a lack of finishing power”.

“Although Morimoto failed to score a debut goal, his presence has lit a ray of hope,” it said.

“I will have a headache selecting the team in future. It will be a happy headache though,” said the coach, who used many substitute players against Scotland.

Japan, who have qualified for the World Cup in South Africa by finishing second to Australia in Asian Group A, will play Togo in another home friendly on Wednesday.

“If I am given a chance (against Togo), I will work hard to deliver the goods in front of the goal because I am a forward,” Morimoto said.