Daichi Kamada became just the second Crystal Palace player to score a goal at a World Cup after netting in the 2-2 draw between Japan and the Netherlands.
The Crystal Palace No.18 knew very little about his 88th-minute equaliser as the ball simply hit him on the head and flew past Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen, but wouldn’t have cared one bit as he secured a precious point for his country.
Mile Jedinak is the only other Crystal Palace player to score at a World Cup, coincidentally netting against the Netherlands as well at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
After Kamada scored, Daniel Munoz and Adam Wharton sent the Japan international a message on Instagram.
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What Daniel Munoz and others said after Daichi Kamada scored for Japan
After seeing his Crystal Palace teammate score at the World Cup, Munoz wrote: “Congratulations Daichi Sam.”
Wharton and Tyrick Mitchell also responded, albeit only in the form of emojis. The latter posted two hearts (❤️❤️) whereas the Crystal Palace No.20 commented: “😍😍”.
Justin Devenny also replied, writing: “Love it Daichi.”
There was also a comment from Joachim Andersen, who only spent a month with Kamada at Crystal Palace before joining Fulham in August 2024. The Denmark international posted two emojis to congratulate the 29-year-old, writing: “🙌🔥.”
Clearly, Kamada – who had a tough start at Crystal Palace – is a popular figure amongst his teammates at Selhurst Park, who seem delighted after he realised a lifelong dream of scoring for Japan at a World Cup.
The worry for Crystal Palace is whether the former Lazio star will remain in SE25.
Kamada technically leaves Crystal Palace when his contract expires on 1st July – although the Eagles have offered the midfielder a new deal.
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Presumably, there will only be a response to that offer once Japan’s involvement in the World Cup is over.
