Rihei Sano was a prominent Japanese football player who lived from 1912 to 1992.
He played as a goalkeeper for the Japan national football team during the 1936 Summer Olympics.
Sano was born in Shizuoka Prefecture and played for Waseda WMW, a team made up of Waseda University players.
Biography
Early Life
Rihei Sano was born on September 21, 1912, in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. He grew up with a passion for sports, particularly football, which would shape his future career. Sano attended Waseda University, where he not only pursued his studies but also honed his skills as a football player.
Career
Sano's football career took off when he joined the Waseda WMW team, comprised of players from his university. His talent as a goalkeeper was recognized, and in 1936, while still a student, he was selected to represent the Japan national football team at the Summer Olympics in Berlin. During this historic tournament, Sano made his debut on August 4, 1936, in a match against Sweden, where Japan achieved a remarkable come-from-behind victory, later celebrated as the "Miracle of Berlin." He also played against Italy on August 7, contributing to Japan's Olympic journey. Sano played a total of two matches for the national team during the Olympics.
Legacy
Rihei Sano's contributions to Japanese football were honored posthumously when the 1936 national team was inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2016. Sano passed away on March 26, 1992, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in Japanese football history.
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Career & Clubs
Sano was born in Shizuoka Prefecture on September 21, 1912. He played for Waseda WMW was consisted of his alma mater Waseda University players and graduates.
In 1936, when Sano was a Waseda University student, he was selected Japan national team for 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. At this competition, on August 4, he debuted 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" (ベルリンの奇跡) 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 for Japan in 1936. Sano died on March 26, 1992, at the age of 79.
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1936–1936)
- National team
- Japan
Clubs
- Japan men's national football team1936–1936
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Rihei Sano was a Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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