Japan striker Naohiro Takahara scored twice to help Hamburg SV beat FC Nuremberg 3-1 away in the Germany Bundesliga on Saturday.
Takahara broke a scoreless deadlock on the half hour when he chested down a long pass from Sergej Barbarez and fired home a left-footed shot for his first goal since scoring in a 6-0 victory at Hansa Rostock on Nov. 14.
He put Hamburg up 2-0 eight minutes into the second half after holding off two defenders, increasing his goal tally to five this season. He scored two goals in a game for the first time since a 2-1 home victory over Hertha Berlin.
"I was able to get behind the backline the same as in practice and it was a smart move," said Takahara, who will arrive in Japan on Monday, two days before the crucial World Cup qualifier at home to North Korea.
"I think I can join my national teammates with a good feeling but honestly speaking I don't want to be there unless I can play from the beginning of the (North Korea) match."