IT’S BEEN A difficult few seasons for Shinji Kagawa. Ever since he swapped Borussia Dortmund for Manchester United in 2012, he’s struggled for form.
Not even a return to the Bundesliga club last year has managed to reignite the superb form he showed in his initial two seasons with the side.
Last month, his boss Jurgen Klopp had the following to say about him.
He came from a, let’s say, a not so fantastic situation from Manchester United, he started well when he got back to Dortmund, but now he isn’t playing that great anymore. So it’s possible that you disappear for a while. A lot of players return to form a little bit quicker.”
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But, his form shows no sign of improving.
Earlier today, he played a decisive role in Japan being eliminated from the Asian Cup by United Arab Emirates.
The reigning champions went behind after 7 minutes but forced extra-time with an 81st-minute equaliser.
But, no side could make the breakthrough and the game went to penalties.
Another Japanese superstar, Keisuke Honda (embracing his inner Chris Waddle), set the tone with an appalling first effort but Japan still stayed in the shoot-out until sudden death.
Las estrellas de Japón, Honda y Kagawa fallan cobros y quedan eliminados. Honda listo para SuperBowl https://t.co/4t80XVV5wB
But, Kagawa was unable to convert, his strike coming back off the upright. Moments later, Ismail Ahmed kept his nerve to send UAE through to the final four, where they’ll face the hosts Australia in Newcastle.
Shinji Kagawa's struggles continue as he misses decisive penalty in big Asian Cup upset
IT’S BEEN A difficult few seasons for Shinji Kagawa. Ever since he swapped Borussia Dortmund for Manchester United in 2012, he’s struggled for form.
Not even a return to the Bundesliga club last year has managed to reignite the superb form he showed in his initial two seasons with the side.
Last month, his boss Jurgen Klopp had the following to say about him.
But, his form shows no sign of improving.
Earlier today, he played a decisive role in Japan being eliminated from the Asian Cup by United Arab Emirates.
The reigning champions went behind after 7 minutes but forced extra-time with an 81st-minute equaliser.
But, no side could make the breakthrough and the game went to penalties.
Another Japanese superstar, Keisuke Honda (embracing his inner Chris Waddle), set the tone with an appalling first effort but Japan still stayed in the shoot-out until sudden death.
But, Kagawa was unable to convert, his strike coming back off the upright. Moments later, Ismail Ahmed kept his nerve to send UAE through to the final four, where they’ll face the hosts Australia in Newcastle.
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