Soccer

Furuhashi’s second half double sees Celtic lift Scottish League Cup

With just three touches the Japanese forward sealed first silverware of the season

Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates scoring their side’s second goal of the game during the Scottish League Cup final at Hampden Park. Photo: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Ewan Murray at Hampden Park
Sun Dec 19 2021 - 17:41

Hibernian 1 Celtic 2

It felt appropriate that the defining moments in this, the first final of the Scottish season, were delivered by the player who has lit up the campaign thus far.

Kyogo Furuhashi, Celtic’s Japanese forward, was an injury doubt before the League Cup final meeting with Hibernian. How the 26-year-old proved his worth. With just three touches, he sealed victory for Celtic and a first piece of Scottish silverware – in as many attempts – for Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian manager’s coaxing of Kyogo from Vissel Kobe has proven hugely significant. No wonder Postecoglou and Kyogo found themselves in arm embrace as the full-time whistle blew.

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This was a tighter contest than onlookers had been entitled to expert. Hibs, who are without a permanent manager, took the lead but the pace of Celtic’s response – Kyogo replied within a minute – denied the Edinburgh side any opportunity to frustrate their opponents.

After an utterly grim first half, Paul Hanlon headed Hibs into the lead from an inswinging Martin Boyle corner. Josip Juranovic was unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line.

Celtic needed their star man, who strode forward instantly. Collecting a pass from Callum McGregor, Kyogo superbly controlled before slamming past Matt Macey. His second was even better. Tom Rogic lofted a free-kick forward, with Kyogo lobbing the advancing Macey. Hibs had been undone by two pieces of brilliance.

Kevin Nisbet hit the post as Hibs chased salvation. Joe Hart saved well from Joe Newell in the dying seconds. Celtic were also lucky to escape a penalty claim after the hapless Carl Starfelt bundled Ryan Porteous over inside the area. Celtic had little cause to care; the League Cup is theirs. – Guardian