Koichi Oita

Koichi Oita
種田 孝一
Personal information
Full name Koichi Oita
Date of birth (1914-04-09)April 9, 1914
Place of birth Tokyo, Empire of Japan
Date of death September 11, 1996(1996-09-11) (aged 82)
Place of death Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
Height 1.74 m (5 ft 8+12 in)
Position(s) Defender, Midfielder
Youth career
???? Mito High School
????–1937 Tokyo Imperial University
International career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1936 Japan 2 (0)
Managerial career
1947–1956 Sumitomo Metal

Koichi Oita (種田 孝一, Oita Koichi, April 9, 1914 – September 11, 1996) was a Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team.

National team career

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Miracle of Berlin (1936 Olympics 1st round v Sweden on August 4)

Oita was born in Tokyo on April 9, 1914. In 1936, when he was a Tokyo Imperial University student, he was selected Japan national team for 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.[1] At this competition, on August 4, he debuted against Sweden. Although he was a midfielder, he played as a defender. 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.[2]

Coaching career

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After retirement, in 1947, Oita became a manager for new club Sumitomo Metal and managed until 1956.

September 11, 1996, Oita died of heart failure in Bunkyo, Tokyo at the age of 82.

National team statistics

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[2]

Japan national team
Year Apps Goals
1936 2 0
Total 2 0

References

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  1. ^ "Koichi Oita". Olympedia. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  2. ^ a b Japan National Football Team Database
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