Akira Matsunaga (footballer, born 1914)


Akira Matsunaga was a Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team. His brother Nobuo Matsunaga and Seki Matsunaga also played for Japan national team.

National team career

Matsunaga was born in Yaizu on September 21, 1914. In 1936, when he was a Tokyo Liberal Arts and Science University student, he was selected Japan national team for 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. At this competition, on August 4, he debuted and scored a goal against Sweden. Japan completed a come-from-behind victory against Sweden. The first victory in Olympics for the Japan and the historic victory over one of the powerhouses became later known as "Miracle of Berlin" in Japan. In 2016, this team was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame. On August 7, he also played against Italy. He played 2 games and scored 1 goal for Japan in 1936.

Death

In 1937, Matsunaga served in the military. On January 20, 1943 he was killed in action during the Guadalcanal Campaign at the age of 28.

National team statistics