World Cup goals for Celtic's Trusty & Maeda - BBC Sport Celtic defenders Auston Trusty and Daizen Maeda made significant contributions during the World Cup as their respective national teams, the United States and Japan, advanced to the round of 32. Trusty, playing as a center-half for the USA, opened the scoring in a dramatic match against Turkey, netting his first international goal just two minutes into the game. However, the match took an unexpected turn when Turkey staged a late comeback, scoring in stoppage time to secure a 3-2 victory. Despite Trusty’s injury, which required him to be substituted late in the contest, he was able to return to the field after the team exhausted all its substitutes. The USA, who had previously defeated their opening two opponents, will now face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the next round. Japan’s Daizen Maeda also delivered a crucial goal for his team, capitalizing on a sweeping attack in the 55th minute to give Japan a 1-0 lead over Sweden in Dallas. The match, however, saw Sweden equalize through Anthony Elanga in the closing stages, ensuring their progression as third-place finishers in Group F with four points. Sweden’s path to the next round will involve a clash against the winner of Group I, which could feature either France or Norway. The Swedes’ lineup included a late substitution, with Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren stepping in to replace an injured player. Trusty’s performance highlighted his growing importance to the USA squad, particularly after his injury setback. His ability to return to the field despite the ankle injury underscored his resilience. Meanwhile, Maeda’s goal for Japan demonstrated his role as a key playmaker in their attacking strategy. Both players’ contributions were pivotal in their teams’ advancement, reflecting the competitive nature of the tournament.#japan #united_states #world_cup #auston_trusty #daizen_maeda
Celtic handed major blow ahead of St Mirren clash as key defender suspended Liam Scales, a key defender and player of the year candidate for Celtic FC, will miss Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren due to a suspension. The Irishman has accumulated too many yellow cards in previous rounds, forcing him to sit out the match. Scales has been a consistent performer for the team this season, delivering standout displays that have silenced critics. His absence will test manager Martin O'Neill’s ability to adapt, though several young defenders are expected to step up. Defensive instability has been a recurring issue for Celtic this season, compounded by the long-term absence of Cameron Carter-Vickers. The club is likely to reshuffle its backline, offering loanee Benjamin Arthur a chance to shine. Arthur, paired with Auston Trusty, is seen as a promising defensive combination that could bolster the team’s options. Trusty, a certainty for the semi-final, will likely shift to the left flank, while Arthur is expected to anchor the right side. O'Neill expressed confidence in both players, stating he has “lots of confidence in Benjamin Arthur and Dane Murray.” The lineup beyond Trusty remains uncertain. Murray could earn a starting spot, but Arthur’s recent performances may secure him the nod. Both players bring energy and enthusiasm, though Trusty’s experience will be crucial in high-stakes matches. The team will rely on Trusty’s composure to balance the squad’s youth. St Mirren, having defeated Celtic 1-0 last weekend, will be a formidable opponent at Hampden Park. The visitors are expected to improve their tactics and ensure they are fully prepared for the semi-final. Celtic cannot afford to underestimate their rivals, as the match will be a critical test of their resilience.#st_mirren #martin_oneyll #liam_scales #benjamin_arthur #auston_trusty
