Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi

Kawaguchi was born in Fuji on August 15, 1975. After graduating from Shimizu Commercial High School, he joined J1 League club Yokohama Marinos (later Yokohama F. Marinos) in 1994. In 1995, he became a regular goalkeeper for generational change instead Shigetatsu Matsunaga who plays for the Japan national team. The club won the J1 League champions in 1995 and he was selected "Rookie of the Year award". In 2000, the club also won the 2nd place in J1 League. In summer 2001, he moved to English First Division club Portsmouth. In 2003, he moved to Danish Superliga club Nordsjælland. However he could not play many matches in both clubs. In January 2005, he returned to Japan and joined Júbilo Iwata. He played as regular goalkeeper until 2011. However he lost regular position for injury from 2012. Toward the end of his career, he played for J2 League club FC Gifu (2014–2015) and J3 League club SC Sagamihara (2016–2018). He retied end of the 2018 season at the age of 43.

In July 1996, Kawaguchi was selected the Japan U-23 national team for 1996 Summer Olympics and he played in all 3 matches. In first match against Brazil and Japan won Brazil (1-0). It was known as "Miracle of Miami" (マイアミの奇跡) in Japan. On February 13, 1997, he debuted for the Japan national team against Sweden. After the debut, he became a regular goalkeeper soon. In 1998, he was selected the Japan at 1998 World Cup and played all 3 matches. After the 1998 World Cup, he battles with Seigo Narazaki for the position for a long time. He played at 2000 Asian Cup and 2001 Confederations Cup. Japan won the champions at 2000 Asian Cup and the 2nd place at 2001 Confederations Cup. From 2002, he could not play in the match behind Narazaki. At 2004 Asian Cup in summer 2004, he played all matches instead Narazaki who injured. Japan won the champions and Kawaguchi became a regular goalkeeper again after the Asian Cup. He also played at 2005 Confederations Cup and 2006 World Cup. After the 2006 World Cup, he named a captain by new manager Ivica Osim. From 2008, his opportunity to play decreased for injury. He played 116 games for Japan until 2008. Although he was not selected the Japan from 2009, he was selected the Japan as reserve goalkeeper for 2010 World Cup by manager Takeshi Okada.

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• Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi at Olympedia
• Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi at FIFA
• Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi at J.League (player) (in Japanese)
• Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi at National Football Teams.com
• Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi at Soccerway.com
• Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi at FootballDatabase.eu
• Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi at WorldFootball.net
• Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi at Transfermarkt (player)
• Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi at Transfermarkt (manager)