Samurai Blue
$12.00
In stock
Rep the Japanese national team while paying homage to one of the Samurai Blue‘s most recent triumphs.
MATCH STORY
Though the Japanese have a history in football dating back to the 1910’s, it wasn’t until the 90’s that they started to be a major player in international scene. But since then? The Samurai Blue have been a force in Asian soccer, hosted a World Cup, and have made their mark at numerous others. The most recent success experienced in Japan came in the 2011 Asian championships in Qatar. Powered by standouts like Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa, and Shiji, Okazaki, an undefeated run brought them to a final against a similarly undefeated Asian Cup debutants from down-under. Featuring Premier League stars like Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell, Australia made it difficult for the Japanese. Both sides remained scoreless through 90 minutes and well-into extra time. But in the 109th-minute, substitute Tadanari Lee scored off a cross from Yuto Nagatomo to give Japan their fourth Asian crown.
DESIGN STORY
The match side of the design takes its inspiration from the kits worn by Japan at their first ever World Cup in 1998. The reverse features a cherry blossom pattern reminiscent of the Japanese national flower’s famous yearly bloom each spring.
