Miura becomes oldest scorer in Emperor’s Cup history

Kazuyoshi Miura added another record to a career that began four decades ago, scoring twice for Fukushima United in a 7-0 Emperor’s Cup win over amateur side Oyama Soccer Club on August 19. At 59 years, five months and 24 days, he became the oldest goalscorer in the competition’s history, passing the mark previously held by Shinji Ono at 41. The match also offered an unusual example for people who bet on sport, because a famous name can attract attention even when team strength, expected minutes and the nature of a cup tie matter far more than reputation. Miura’s two penalties turned a comfortable first-round victory into a piece of Japanese football history.

Two penalties settled the record early

Miura started the match and opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute. Fukushima were already in control by the time another penalty arrived 10 minutes into the second half, and the veteran forward converted again before being substituted three minutes later.

Miura had already scored in the Fukushima prefectural qualifying competition in July, ending a wait of almost four years for a competitive goal. Wednesday’s goals were different because they came in the national tournament itself and established a new Emperor’s Cup record.

His career makes the age figure harder to ignore

Miura is now in his 42nd season as a professional. He began his senior career in Brazil in 1986 and later played in Japan, Italy, Croatia, Australia and Portugal. For Japan, he scored 55 goals in 89 appearances.

Those figures belong to a career stretching across several eras of professional football. Miura was already an…