Football: Sociedad's Kubo buoyed with goal in World Cup season opener
The 24-year-old drew his side level on the hour mark at Mestalla by hammering home a 20-meter drive into the bottom right corner, scoring in the league opener for the third time in four seasons at Sociedad.
"My feel for the ball was somewhat not good (in the game), but it's positive to start with a goal," Kubo said. "There were lots of games I felt good playing but went without scoring last year, so I believe it's not a bad thing if I were to continue to have games like this."
Diego Lopez had thrown his body to poke home a long ball from deep to give Valencia the lead only three minutes earlier. Kubo provided an instant response with his goal, creating space for himself off a Brais Mendez layoff before finding the net with a crisp strike.
"I had my mind set on taking a shot but taking that tiny touch threw both the defender and goalkeeper off their timing. It worked well," he said.
Sociedad are looking to improve on their 11th-place finish last term with Kubo, linked with a transfer away after the club sold many of their key players in recent years, seen as a focal point under new manager Sergio Francisco.
"I think it'd be best to build confidence (at Sociedad) and head into the World Cup in good shape, reaching my peak condition there."
In the Netherlands, Ayase Ueda headed in a 22nd-minute leveler off a rebound as Feyenoord came from behind to win 2-1 at Excelsior, getting on the scoresheet for the second straight game.
Kento Shiogai came on to net a late brace as NEC Nijmegen claimed a 4-1 comeback win at Heracles.
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10 hours ago
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Football: Sociedad's Kubo buoyed with goal in World Cup season opener
VALENCIA, Spain (Kyodo) -- Japan attacker Takefusa Kubo began the World Cup season with a bang on Saturday after grabbing a goal in the Spanish La Liga opener, helping Real Sociedad secure a 1-1 draw at Valencia. The 24-year-old drew his side level on the hour mark at Mestalla by hammering home a 20-meter drive into the bottom right corner, scoring in the league opener for the third time in four seasons at Sociedad. "My feel for the ball was somewhat not good (in the game), but it's positive to start with a goal," Kubo said. "There were lots of games I felt good playing but went without scoring last year, so I believe it's not a bad thing if I were to continue to have games like this." Diego Lopez had thrown his body to poke home a long ball from deep to give Valencia the lead only three minutes earlier. Kubo provided an instant response with his goal, creating space for himself off a Brais Mendez layoff before finding the net with a crisp strike. "I had my mind set on taking a shot but taking that tiny touch threw both the defender and goalkeeper off their timing. It worked well," he said. Sociedad are looking to improve on their 11th-place finish last term with Kubo, linked with a transfer away after the club sold many of their key players in recent years, seen as a focal point under new manager Sergio Francisco. "I think it'd be best to build confidence (at Sociedad) and head into the World Cup in good shape, reaching my peak condition there." In the Netherlands, Ayase Ueda headed in a 22nd-minute leveler off a rebound as Feyenoord came from behind to win 2-1 at Excelsior, getting on the scoresheet for the second straight game. Kento Shiogai came on to net a late brace as NEC Nijmegen claimed a 4-1 comeback win at Heracles.
Kyodo News
11 hours ago
- Kyodo News
Football: Sociedad's Kubo buoyed with goal in World Cup season opener
VALENCIA, Spain - Japan attacker Takefusa Kubo began the World Cup season with a bang on Saturday after grabbing a goal in the Spanish La Liga opener, helping Real Sociedad secure a 1-1 draw at Valencia. The 24-year-old drew his side level on the hour mark at Mestalla by hammering home a 20-meter drive into the bottom right corner, scoring in the league opener for the third time in four seasons at Sociedad. "My feel for the ball was somewhat not good (in the game), but it's positive to start with a goal," Kubo said. "There were lots of games I felt good playing but went without scoring last year, so I believe it's not a bad thing if I were to continue to have games like this." Diego Lopez had thrown his body to poke home a long ball from deep to give Valencia the lead only three minutes earlier. Kubo provided an instant response with his goal, creating space for himself off a Brais Mendez layoff before finding the net with a crisp strike. "I had my mind set on taking a shot but taking that tiny touch threw both the defender and goalkeeper off their timing. It worked well," he said. Sociedad are looking to improve on their 11th-place finish last term with Kubo, linked with a transfer away after the club sold many of their key players in recent years, seen as a focal point under new manager Sergio Francisco. "I think it'd be best to build confidence (at Sociedad) and head into the World Cup in good shape, reaching my peak condition there." In the Netherlands, Ayase Ueda headed in a 22nd-minute leveler off a rebound as Feyenoord came from behind to win 2-1 at Excelsior, getting on the scoresheet for the second straight game. Kento Shiogai came on to net a late brace as NEC Nijmegen claimed a 4-1 comeback win at Heracles.
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16 hours ago
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Alcaraz to face defending champ Sinner in Cincinnati ATP final
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