Football: Ueda, Ogawa net as Feyenoord, NEC win Dutch league openers
Ueda got Feyenoord's second goal in the 55th minute at De Kuip, reacting to a loose ball and sending a low half-volley into the corner to complete the scoring in a 2-0 home win over NAC Breda.
"I was prepared to react wherever the ball dropped. I leaned my body instinctively and got a clean strike," said Ueda, who enjoyed playing with center-back and fellow Japan international Tsuyoshi Watanabe after he joined the club this summer.
"We've been able to talk about various things during the match, too. It's big for the club and also makes it easier for me to play."
Having been hampered by injuries during his first two seasons at Feyenoord, Ueda hopes he can nail down his spot at Robin van Persie's side ahead of the World Cup next summer in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
"I want to keep playing injury-free and bring positive results for the team," he said.
Ogawa, vying for the regular forward position with Ueda for the Samurai Blue, hit a fine brace as NEC romped past Excelsior 5-0 also at home.
He opened the season's account with a 52nd-minute overhead kick to give his side a 2-0 lead before powering a header home seven minutes later for their third.
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