The day after the victory over Kyrgyzstan, the players took some much needed rest and recuperation after the group stage before the coming match against Thailand. They went for a walk and did some stretching in the morning, and spent some time shopping in the afternoon.

The specific rules for the knockout stage of this competition were checked at the managers’ meeting this morning. If the match ends in a draw after 40 minutes, it goes into overtime for another 10 minutes. Penalties will be taken to determine the winner, if necessary. The atmosphere was tense, as losing a match at this stage means going home.

The quarterfinal against Thailand - a rematch of the last championship final - kicks off at local time 15:30 on 7 May.

Comments From Players

NAKAMURA Yusuke（Agleymina Hamamatsu）
The knockout stage will begin tomorrow. As losing means the end of the competition for us, we will focus fully on the coming match as a team. Every supporter and every cheer at the match gives us strength, especially when times are tough. So please, give as much support and encouragement as you can - at the match and from Japan.

SEKIGUCHI Yushi（Espolada Hokkaido）
I’ve been watching my teammates from the bench throughout the group stage. I watched every movement in detail, learning a lot and giving me plenty to think about. The quarterfinal will be a tough fight, but we will do our best to be back-to-back champions.

MORIOKA Kaoru（Nagoya Oceans）
Though we survived the group stage, the quarterfinal will be a difficult match, as Thailand are the favourites. I will play every match as if it is the final. Personally, I’ve been getting myself in shape through the group stage. So I do hope I can lead the team to triumph, by assisting or scoring.

Schedule

※All match time is local time.
※The time for TV broadcasting is Japan time。