Japanese legend Honda draws attention with bizarre broadcast remarks during Netherlands draw

Keisuke Honda, one of Japan’s best-known former internationals, made headlines overnight during Dutch television coverage of the Netherlands-Japan match with a series of odd comments. Honda, who played for clubs including Milan and CSKA Moscow and finished his national-team career with 98 appearances, 37 goals and 23 assists in all competitions, was part of the Japanese broadcast team for the game.

While on air, Honda asked, “Which team does Denzel Dumfries play for?” and also, “What is the name of Holland’s number 11?” After being told it was Cody Gakpo, he reacted to the Liverpool forward’s size and position, saying, “A winger who is 1.93 meters tall? Does such a thing exist?!” He then added, “The toilets in Holland are also very tall,” and, “Watching the World Cup is more tiring than playing in it. Has 40 minutes already passed? Did something happen here? I completely missed it, I just didn’t see.”

The match itself ended 2-2 after Japan came from behind twice in the second half, including an equalizer from Daichi Kamada in the 89th minute. The result leaves the Netherlands preparing for its next Group 6 match against Sweden on Saturday, while Japan will play Tunisia on Sunday.