Ryota Tsuzuki

is a former Japanese football player. He played for the Japan national team.
Biography.
Tsuzuki was born in Heguri, Nara on April 18, 1978. After graduating from Kunimi High School, he joined J1 League side Gamba Osaka in 1997. He became the first choice goalkeeper in 2000 dislodging Hayato Okanaka but he was transferred to Urawa Reds at the end of the 2002 season after a row with manager Akira Nishino. At Reds, he battles with Norihiro Yamagishi for the position. From 2005, he completely played as first goalkeeper except for 2006 for injury. The club won the champions 2006 J1 League, 2003 J.League Cup, 2005 and 2006 Emperor's Cup. In Asia, the club won the champions 2007 AFC Champions League and also won the 3rd place 2007 Club World Cup. However his opportunity to play decreased due to injury from 2009. He moved to Shonan Bellmare in June 2010. He retired end of the 2010 season.
In September 2000, Tsuzuki was selected the Japan U-23 national team for 2000 Summer Olympics. But he did not play in the match behind Seigo Narazaki. In February 2001, Tsuzuki was selected the Japan national team for 2001 Confederations Cup. At this tournament, on April 8, he debuted against Brazil. Although he played only one game, Japan won the 2nd place. Because Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi and Seigo Narazaki played most matches for Japan in 2000s, Tsuzuki could hardly play in the match. He played 6 games for Japan until 2009.
Statistics.
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