Kubo earns minutes with Japan and reaches Kirin Cup final | OneFootball

Take Kubo is rebuilding his rhythm with Japan, picking up minutes that have been scarce at Real Sociedad as his side progress to the Kirin Cup final. According to Diario Vasco, he remains a key figure despite questions over goals and assists. If he returns invigorated, this run of four friendlies and two long trips will have been worthwhile.

The Real Sociedad forward started Japan’s third match of this FIFA window, playing the first 68 minutes against Ecuador. The game finished 0-0 and was decided by a penalty shootout.

It was not a standout display, though he produced promising link-ups in attack. He had earlier earned the penalty that beat Venezuela, but here, starting on the right, he was not decisive and he did not take a kick in the shootout Japan won.

That victory keeps Kubo in Tokyo until Monday, when Japan face New Zealand in the Kirin Cup final. He will therefore be among the last Real Sociedad players to return to Zubieta.

Some team-mates play on the sixth, but he also faces almost a full day of travel from Japan. Elsewhere, Job Ochieng started for Kenya in their defeat to Guinea for the Harambee Stars and was substituted at half-time.

Source: Diario Vasco

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