Japan and Iraq reached to the semi final of Asian Cup 2007. In the first semi final, Japan defeated mighty Australia in penalty shootout and Iraq defeated Vietnam in the first day of quarter final round of Asian Cup 2007. Other two quarter final matches will be held on 22nd July 2007. Japanese striker Naohiro Takahara is now the leading goal scorer of Asian Cup 2007 with his four goals. Takahara scored the equalizing goal for Japan against Australia in the important qualifying match for Japan.
Naohiro Takahara plays in Eintracht Frankfurt in German football league. The 28 year old forward, has impressed with his performance in the tournament so far. In the first Group match Takahara’s goal saved Japan from losing the match against Qatar. In the second Group match of Japan, Takahara scored twice as Japan defeated UAE by 3-1. Yesterday, Naohiro Takahara again emerged with his prime form for Japan scoring the equalizing goal against Australia.
Naohiro Takahara is now one of the star footballers of Asia playing in international level. He started his club career in 1998 with the Japanese club Júbilo Iwata. In 2001, Takahara played for Boca Juniors on loan. Then in 2002 season, he joined German club Hamburger SV before joining his preset club Eintracht Frankfurt in 2006. Takahara was the member of the champion Japan team of 2000 Asian Cup tournament.
I do not know that who will get the “Golden Shoe” as the highest goal scorer in the tournament. However, it is clear that Naohiro Takahara is now ahead of other contenders of the Golden Shoe. Takahara is now in good form and in the coming match; Japan can get the better service from this striker. Japan now aims at winning their third consecutive Asian Cup victory because Japan is the defending champion of the last two Asian Cups. Japan’s performance will largely depend on the performance of Naohiro Takahara. Now, let’s see how far Naohiro Takahara can go in Asian Cup 2007.
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