How has Boston been for Tartan Army? ‘You run out of beer regularly’
“It feels like a non-Bostonian thing to do.” Scottish fans descended on Boston for the World Cup and, according to reports, ran out of beer.
MONTERREY, Mexico — Ayase Ueda entered the World Cup as the Eredivisie’s leading scorer. On Saturday, June 20 against Tunisia, Japan’s striker showed why, finding the back of the net on soccer’s biggest stage.
Yet for one of Europe’s most prolific strikers, goals never elicit any wild celebrations from the 27-year-old.
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The 25 goals the Japanese striker has scored all come with grace, humility and a sign of thanks to the fans. Eredivisie’s top scorer never choreographed any dances, shouted at the crowd, or jumped into the arms of the fans. Instead, the forward simply keeps a calm gesture.
“It’s my style, my modesty,” Ueda said in an interview with Algemeen Dagblad. “When I’ve scored, I hear the fans and their joy. I let that sink in. I also think of my wife who has always supported me.”
Ueda doesn’t let the goal turn into a moment that is about himself. His upbringing from Mito, Iribaki, Japan, and how close he is to his family, leads to his calm celebrations and thanks. His father, who inspired him to play, and his family sacrificed to help Ueda chase his dreams.
“My family in Japan too,” said Ueda. “That I am here now thanks to them. I am very happy when I score, but I especially like that I can make others happy.”
For fans, the celebration might seem simple, easy, and nothing to remember. For Ueda, the gesture is a way of thanking everyone who has supported him to get to this moment. From his family back home to the thousands of Japan supporters celebrating in the stands. Even after a World Cup goal against Tunisia, the reaction remained the same: stone cold on the outside, grateful on the inside.
Brooks Thomason is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
