Date: Thu. 3 November [20:00 (local time)]
Venue: Kite Beach (Dubai)

Japan Beach Soccer National Team 3 (0-1, 2-1, 1-1, Ex:0-1) 4 Iran Beach Soccer National Team

【Goals】
<1p>
5' Goal against
<2p>
3' Goal against
4' Own goal
7' AKAGUMA Takuya
<3p>
4' Goal against
11' KAWAI Yusuke
<EX>
2' Goal against

Starting Line-up
GK GINOZA Tomoya
FP MOREIRA Ozu, OBA Takaaki, MATSUO Naoya, AKAGUMA Takuya

Reserve
GK KAWAI Yusuke
FP YAMAUCHI Shusei, OKUYAMA Masanori, UESATO Takumi, KIBUNE Yuki, SAITO Gaiya, TANAKA Hayate

Match Report

Facing their AFC rivals, Japan entered the match with a clear game plan. The match started with Iran taking control of the ball possession as they effectively utilised their goalkeeper to keep the ball moving. Although Japan showed great coverage to keep the pressure on the Iranian offence, they conceded the opening goal from a fast break initiated from the goalkeeper in the fifth minute.

After finishing the first period 0-1, Japan conceded another goal in the third minute of the second period but managed to get on the scoreboard with an own goal committed by the Iranian side in the fourth minute. Soon afterwards, an opponent was ejected from the game after striking UESATO Takumi (Tokyo Verdy BS) in the face while making an attempt to hit the ball in the air. In the seventh minute, AKAGUMA Takuya (Lazo Apego Kitakyusyu) scored a goal assisted by KIBUNE Yuki (Averdade Kumamoto BS) as Japan capitalised on the numerical advantage to equalise the match.

Both goalkeepers scored a goal apiece in the third period, with the Iranian goalie scoring first in the fourth minute and KAWAI Yusuke (Tokyo Verdy BS) scoring next in the 11th minute to send the match into extra time.

Iran scored the decisive goal in extra time, converting a free kick earned in the final minute to beat Japan 4-3. As a result, Japan have now finished the group stage with a record of one win and two losses. They will now move onto the consolation tournament, where they will face Saudi Arabia on Friday 4 November.

Players' Comments

GK #1 KAWAI Yusuke (Tokyo Verdy BS)
In order to advance through this group stage and with our eyes set on the Asian qualifiers, which will take place in March of next year, this match against Iran was a match we couldn’t afford to lose. While we entered the match with a clear understanding of our strategy and approach, the entire team was more fired up for this match than usual. In terms of teamwork, it felt like this was our best performance of the tournament. However, we weren’t able to capitalise on our opportunities and lacked quality once we got tired, so those are some of the areas we need to improve on. This team has a lot of potential to get better, so we hope to make the most of the remaining matches ahead of the Neom Beach Soccer Cup, which is scheduled to take place at Saudi Arabia next week.

FP #5 UESATO Takumi (Tokyo Verdy BS)
Facing our AFC rivals, we entered the match with the intention of avenging last year’s defeat. Despite conceding a 0-2 lead, we managed to keep our composure, listened to our coaches’ directions, and worked together as a team to equalise the match. This match served as a reminder that in order to compete on the world stage, we must be prepared to seize the opportunities that are presented to us, just as how Iran converted their free kick in extra time. Personally, although I was kicked in the head, I am glad I was able to put myself on the line for the team. It gave me a renewed sense of determination and responsibility to play for the national team. All and all, I think we played well today, but I am very disappointed of the fact that we lost the match. However, we still have another match tomorrow, so we must reflect on the match and try to prepare ourselves in the best way possible. In order to become champions at next year’s World Cup, we must cherish each and every match in front of us and try to make the most of every experience. We saw many fans cheering on us at the match venue, and we are also aware that many people have been watching us online. We will do our best to deliver a win for those who support us. Thank you for all your support today.

Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup Dubai 2022

Tournament period: Tue. 1 - Sun. 6 November 2022

Tournament Information