Real Madrid starlet Takefusa Kubo has praised South Africa despite their defeat to Japan in their Olympics opener on Thursday.
The 20-year-old scored the only goal in his side’s 1-0 win over South Africa’s U23 team, helping Japan to a perfect start.
However, despite the victory, Kubo, who has been labelled the ‘Japanese Messi’, has complimented David Notoane’s men.
“I’m relieved now. I’m happy and relieved. I thought I should score a goal in order for the team to score a goal,” Kubo said, as per Goal.
“I scored the goal and the team won. I’m very happy. South Africa was a good team. The South African players looked in good condition.”
Meanwhile, Japan captain Maya Yoshida, who is one of the hosts overaged players and many will remember from his time in the Premier League, insisted his side can play better.
“We managed to keep one goal. Originally, we are a team that can perform better,” he said.
“We should have played more confidently from the start. By winning this game, the next (match) I think the team will be better.”
Japan will now face Mexico in their second Group A fixture, while South Africa will meet France, who lost 4-1 to the South American side in their first match.