Sparta Rotterdam and NAC Breda players shine at the Olympic Games

Shunsuke Mito and Koki Saito have left their mark at the Olympic Games. The (ex-)Spartans were together good for two goals and two assists in the 5-0 victory over Paraguay. Mito scored twice, Saito provided two assists. NAC Breda midfielder Matthew Garbett played a leading role for New Zealand..

Mito was the Japanese who managed to open the score against Paraguay. After a tight pass from the left, he laid the ball well in front of his right, and then found the short corner with a hard stroke: 1-0.

Things weren't made any more difficult for Japan when Paraguayan Wilder Viera was shown a red card, although Japan only managed to pull ahead in the second half. Saito, who has since returned to Lommel SK, sped past his man and laid the ball on a plate for Mito, who headed it in neatly: 2-0.

Just before Mito and Saito were taken off, the latter provided another assist. This time it was Rihito Yamamoto who appreciated the pass from the ex-Spartan. Through Shota Fujio, who scored twice, Japan extended their lead to 5-0.

Guinea – New Zealand 1-2

Also in Guinea – New Zealand there were quite a few (ex-)Eredivision players who stole the leading role. NAC midfielder Matthew Garbett, who wore the captain's armband, missed a penalty in the first half. It turned out well for New Zealand, because Garbett made it 0-1 a minute after his missed penalty. He initiated his own goal, by applying good pressure and finishing.

Aliou Baldé, ex-Feyenoord and Dordrecht, saw his equalizer disallowed, but shortly afterwards provided an assist for the equalizer by Amadou Diawara (ex-Napoli and Roma): 1-1. New Zealand would still win. It was Ben Waine who provided New Zealand with the winning goal four minutes after the equalizer.

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