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Soccer-Japan's Miura, 59, becomes oldest scorer in Emperor's Cup history

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Aug 20 (Reuters) - Former Japan international Kazuyoshi Miura became the oldest scorer in Emperor's Cup ‌history on Wednesday when the 59-year-old netted ‌two penalties in Fukushima United's 7-0 victory over amateur side ​Oyama Soccer Club.

At 59 years, 5 months and 24 days, Miura surpassed the record held by former Japan midfielder Shinji Ono, who was 41 when ‌he scored in ⁠the competition.

Miura, nicknamed 'King Kazu' and now in his 42nd season as a professional, ⁠had scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years in the qualifying rounds of the tournament ​last month.

The ​veteran forward opened the ​scoring from the spot ‌in the 12th minute of Wednesday's first-round match and added a second penalty 10 minutes into the second half before being substituted three minutes later.

"You never know when it might be your turn," ‌he told reporters. "That's why ​I practise them all the ​time. I'm glad ​it paid off."

Miura began his professional career ‌in Brazil in 1986 ​and has since ​played in Italy, Croatia, Australia and Portugal.

The striker scored 55 goals in 89 appearances for ​Japan and ‌joined third-division club Fukushima from Yokohama FC earlier ​this year.

(Reporting by Suramya Kaushik in Bengaluru; ​Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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