Kento Shiogai Scores Two Including Stunning Long Shot as NEC Defeat Feyenoord in a Match Featuring Five Japanese Players
Match Summary
On November 23rd, in an intense Eredivisie round 13 clash, NEC defeated second-placed Feyenoord 4-2 at De Kuip. The match featured five Japanese players across both teams and turned into a breakout night for 20-year-old forward Kento Shiogai, who came off the bench to score twice — including a spectacular long-range strike that sealed the game.
Lineups and Japanese Presence
Feyenoord started with the league’s top scorer, Ayase Ueda, alongside Takeshi Watanabe up front. NEC fielded Koki Ogawa and Kodai Sano from the start and introduced Kento Shiogai from the bench in the second half. The unusual sight of five Japanese players featuring prominently gave added significance to the fixture for Japanese supporters.
First Half: Early Intensity and Counter Opportunities
The game began at a high tempo. NEC pressed early and created chances, while Feyenoord responded with strong attacking phases. NEC struck first courtesy of a quick transition launched after a Kodai Sano steal; Brian Linsen finished calmly to give NEC an early lead. Feyenoord responded before halftime, leveling the score to 1-1 from a set-piece header in stoppage time.
Second Half and the Turning Point
Feyenoord took the lead early in the second half and looked set to control the match, but NEC's tactical switches changed the momentum. Coach substitutions included bringing on the young forward Kento Shiogai in the 68th minute. His arrival invigorated NEC’s attack and quickly yielded results as the team equalized almost immediately, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Shiogai Heroics: Headed Winner and Last-Gasp Long-Range Strike
Shiogai's first decisive contribution came with a composed header that gave NEC the lead in the 84th minute. Then, in added time, after a midfield turnover by Kodai Sano, Shiogai spotted the goalkeeper off his line and unleashed an audacious shot from near the center circle. The ball curled over the keeper and into the net — a truly memorable long-range goal that sealed the result at 4-2.
Player Impacts and Tactical Notes
- Kento Shiogai: Impact substitute whose two goals changed the game's narrative and boosted his season tally. - Kodai Sano: Midfield work in ball recovery proved pivotal to NEC transitions. - Koki Ogawa and Ayase Ueda: Both kept defenses occupied and created openings, though finishing was mixed. Tactically, NEC’s compact counter-attacks and timely substitutions proved decisive. Feyenoord dominated possession but struggled to convert pressure into a stable advantage.
What This Result Means
NEC’s away win against a top-two club is a statement of ambition and resilience in the Eredivisie. For Feyenoord, the setback highlights defensive lapses and the need to maintain concentration through the closing stages of matches. As for Japanese players, consistent appearances and match-winning performances will only increase their profile across Europe.
Conclusion and Takeaways
Kento Shiogai’s breakthrough night — a headed winner and a spectacular long-range finish — provided NEC with a signature victory. The match underscored the rising influence of Japanese players in the Eredivisie and offered tactical lessons about game management and the value of impactful substitutions. NEC moves on buoyed by confidence while Feyenoord must regroup quickly.
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