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| ReutersYonhap News |
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| APYonhap News |
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Japanese soccer fans cheered for Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)'s score in Southampton.
Japanese soccer media Soccer Digest reported fans' reactions to Mitoma's goal scene on the 23rd. Mitoma scored his team's third goal in the 26th minute of the second half with a 2-0 lead in the 26th round of the English Premier League (EPL) at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton, England, on the 22nd (Korea time).
Brighton's attack situation. Mitoma, who was handed a pass near the half-line, ran in the direction of the opponent's door. Southampton defender James Bree pulled his jersey from behind but to no avail. Mitoma, who quickly peeled off three opposing players and faced the goalkeeper, scored a sensational chip shot into the net.
According to Soccer Digest, soccer fans are playing dribbles, but no one catches up with them. Aren't they floating around?', 'The speed is too fast', 'I thought I lost (the ball) because it was too fast' 'I've never seen a Japanese player do this much in the Premier League. Some fans responded, 'To put it modestly, the strongest level ever for the Japanese.'
Mitoma also scored a wonder goal reminiscent of Lionel Messi in the match against Chelsea (3-0 win) on the 15th. Mitoma has shown his best form with three consecutive goals in the last three games and five since January. He scored seven goals in the EPL, tied for the 2022-2023 season, his first season playing for Brighton. If he scores one more goal, he will record a career high in Europe.
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| APYonhap News |
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Brighton took the lead in the 23rd minute with João Pedro's first goal. 11 minutes into the second half, Jorginio Luther's additional goal allowed him to run away, and Zack Hinselwood's netting in the 37th minute of the second half gave him a four-goal victory. Brighton have won back-to-back games in the last three games in which Mitoma has scored. Through two consecutive league wins, he scored 40 points and raised his ranking to ninth place.
Meanwhile, Mitoma was offered a transfer fee of 90 million pounds (about 120 billion won) by Saudi Arabian club Alnasr in the winter transfer market in January, but the transfer was canceled when the club declared 'not for sale'.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
