ALMERIA, Spain (Kyodo) — Japanese attacker Takefusa Kubo contributed to both goals Sunday as Real Sociedad claimed a comfortable 2-0 win away to Almeria in Spain’s La Liga.
He helped David Silva celebrate his 37th birthday two minutes into the second half, narrowly staying onside before gathering near the byline and finding the former Spain playmaker in scoring position with a deflected cutback.
Kubo’s pass from the right also led to Alexander Sorloth doubling the lead five minutes later at Almeria’s Power Horse Stadium.
“I’m feeling positive, as I’m definitely getting involved in goals,” said Kubo, who headed to the bench in the 72nd minute. “I’m in good form. There’s synergy with the team.”
The 21-year-old was limited to two first-half appearances in Japan’s four games at the recent World Cup in Qatar, playing an unsung role in their historic 2-1 comeback wins over Germany and Spain. He missed Japan’s round-of-16 penalty-shootout loss to Croatia for health reasons.
“It ended on an unsatisfactory note, but when I’m a bit tired or things are tough, simply recalling that the World Cup energizes me,” Kubo said.
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