23 Nov 2006(Thu)

November 22, 2006: Well, what else can be said about Shunsuke Nakamura?

The former Marinos magician did it again for Celtic on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning Japan time) in their UEFA Champions League group match against Manchester United in Glasgow.

His free kick at Old Trafford a few weeks ago was pretty good, but this one was a beauty, one of the best I have seen him score but still nowhere near as good as the one he struck past Barthez in the Confederations Cup in France.

The one in France was on his “wrong” side, meaning to the left of the goal, whereas his latest gem against Manchester United was from the right side of the goal – a much better angle for a left-footer.

Some 25 metres from goal, Shunsuke struck a perfect free kick over the wall – well over the wall – and brought it down under the crossbar into the top corner, giving the keeper absolutely no chance.

The goal suited the occasion, coming in the 81st minute of the second edition of the so-called “Battle of Britain” between two mega clubs with a massive worldwide fan base.

The English commentary provided some interesting lessons for Japanese viewers in “working football English” – and here’s a few phrases I picked up during the early morning transmission (it was about 6.25 am Japan time when Shunsuke scored).

“Absolute perfection” was one comment from analyst David Pleat, who described it as a “wonderful goal” and a “tremendous piece of skill.”

Whereas Pleat was the “colour” man in the commentary team, there to provide expert analysis and fill in the gaps between play, the match commentator described it as a “breathtaking goal” and a “moment of magic.”

A few minutes later, when Shunsuke was substituted as Celtic defended their 1-0 lead, the commentator spoke of the “standing ovation for a stunning goal.”

Wonderful, breathtaking, stunning…as I said earlier, there is not many more words left in the English language to describe a Shunsuke free kick.

I thought Celtic’s victory was justice because United (Manchester United, I mean, not Newcastle, Leeds, JEF or any of the other Uniteds who are disregarded by arrogant ManU fans) should not have been awarded a penalty in the earlier game at Old Trafford when keeper Boruc was adjudged to have fouled Giggs.

This time, Boruc got his revenge when he saved a late penalty from Saha, who never looked like he was going to score, did he? I don’t know what it is, but I always feel a left-footed penalty-taker is going to miss. Maybe Saha should ask for lessons from Tulio!

Of course Boruc was well off his line as he dived to his right to keep out Saha’s kick, but how many times do referees/linesmen have the courage to call this offence, even though it should be perfectly clear?

All in all, then, another great night for Nakamura in Glasgow. I wrote recently that he had made a good decision to stay with Celtic, rather than trying to play in Spain and maybe ending up on the bench again.

The big question is…when will the TV commentators learn how to pronounce Shunsuke (Shun-ski) instead of Shun-soo-ki, with the emphasis on the “soo” in the middle?

No wonder the players and fans just call him Naka!

ends.