FOOTBALL: Mike Havenaar towers for Japan

Havenaar converting 1 of his 2 header goals

The Blue Samurai may have finally found the aerial attack weapon they have been searching for. Mike Havenaar, scored a brace in Japan's 8-0 demolition of Tajikistan during the last round of world cup qualifiers. The 6ft 4in striker towered above defenders on both occasions to grab his first goals for the Blue Samurai, whilst also giving Japan their first real aerial option up front, perhaps in the history of the team.

The man, as the name alludes, is of Dutch descent but naturalized to Japan when he was 7, meaning his blood has been red for most his life. At 24 years of age, time is in abundance for him to establish a good partnership with the nipponmessi (Shinji Kagawa), who already taunts opposition defenses with his skill and trickery (he also grabbed a brace in the same game).

32 goals in 55 appearances for Ventforet Kofu in the J-League indicates a good strike rate and it'll be interesting to see if the hopeful talent can press on.

See highlights of the game in the link below.