The 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
Group Stage 2nd Match vs Thailand Futsal National Team
21 September 2017 (Thu.) Kick-off 10:00 (Local Time) Playing Time 40min.(20min.×2）
Multifunctional Sport Venue Hall-1 (Ashgabat, Turkmenistan)

Japan Futsal National Team 6-4（2-1, 4-3）Thailand Futsal National Team

Scores
6'　TAMURA Kasho（Japan Futsal National Team）
14'　goal against（Thailand Futsal National Team）
15'　MUROTA Yuki（Japan Futsal National Team）
23'　UEMURA Atsuya（Japan Futsal National Team）
26'　MORIMURA Takashi（Japan Futsal National Team）
30'　SAITO Koichi(Japan Futsal National Team)
30'　goal against（Thailand Futsal National Team）
34'　goal against（Thailand Futsal National Team）
35'　goal against（Thailand Futsal National Team）
36'　SHIMIZU Kazuya（Japan Futsal National Team）

Starting Line-ups
GK：YAZAWA Daimu
FP：UEMATSU Koto, MUROTA Yuki, SHIMIZU Kazuya, UEMURA Atsuya

Reserves
GK：MIURA Taku, UEHARA Takuya
FP：HARA Shinsuke, TAMURA Kasho, HORIGOME Shota, YAGI Kiyoto, SAITO Koichi, MORIMURA Takashi, HASHIMOTO Masaya

Match Report

Japan Futsal National Team, who are currently participating in the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, played against Thailand in the second match of the First Round on Thursday 21 September for the top spot in group C.

Thai national team were assembled mainly with players from Chonburi Bluewave, who became the crowned champions of the AFC Futsal Club Championship Vietnam 2017. They are top-class and tough opponents for Japan, who have in contrast many young players in their squad.

Despite the difference in the experience in futsal, the Japanese squad came out strongly from the beginning of the game and gradually took control of the match as they started to spend more time in the opponents’ side of the court. After 6 minutes, YAGI Kiyoto cut in from the right and squared a quick pass to TAMURA Kasho, who struck home with his right foot to open the scoring for his side. Although it would have seemed that Japan would built positive momentum after the goal, they committed numerous fouls against the opponents’ skilful ball-handling plays, and gave away a spot kick from the second penalty mark due to Japan’s sixth infringement in the 14th minute. Thailand capitalised on this chance and levelled the game. Despite the negative atmosphere that could have adversely affected the team, Japan allayed such concerns by earning a corner kick just one minute later and reclaiming the lead with MUROTA Yuki’s goal. The match went into the halftime break at 2-1.

Japan succeeded in sustaining their positive momentum in the second half and extended their lead in the 23rd minute. Yagi received the ball on the left and intiated an effective attack. Murota became a focal point in the play by assisting UEMURA Atsuya, who fired in a dazzling finish with his left foot to give his side a two-goal advantage. After 26 minutes, MORIMURA Takashi scored his first in the championship and the fourth for the Japanese squad to put his side ahead by three goals.

Japan further added the fifth from SAITO Koichi in the 30th minute and looked as if they were in full control of the match. However, Thailand were resilient and they employed a power play and threw everything into attack. Very experienced Thailand players brought the ball up very skilfully and Japan conceded three consecutive goals in the 30th, 34th, and 35th minutes. Thailand were then just one goal behind Japan.

There was an intense atmosphere in the stadium sensing a dramatic finish to the game. But it was SHIMIZU Kazuya who capitalised on the opponents’ error and reclaimed the two-goal lead for Japan. Thereafter, the Japanese team regained their composure and beat Thailand 6-4.

As a result, Japan Futsal National Team topped the group and advanced to the quarter-finals. The team will meet Jordan at 13:00 local time (16:00 Japan Time) on Saturday 21 September.

Coach's and Players' Comments

Bruno GARCIA, Coach (Japan Futsal National Team)
We did well to win our second game and sustain our momentum after the first victory. Although the opponents had top-class players, we stayed focused and did exactly what was needed to win the match. Thai players worked hard back in their club and won the AFC Futsal Club Championship. Earning three points against that quality of a team brings us some confidence. The current Japanese squad consist of many young players, and we have experienced a lot, both tactically and mentally, competing in this international championship. It’s also important that the players understand the meaning of playing for their national team.

We will refresh ourselves after securing a win today and prepare for the game against Jordan. The players in the Jordanian squad are physically strong. I think they are quite similar to Lebanon in the First Round. It won’t be an easy task, but we are determined to advance further in the tournament.

FP #4 TAMURA Kasho (FUGADOR SUMIDA)
In a stadium filled with local futsal fans, I was deeply moved to see that the Japanese resident in Turkmenistan as well as the supporters, who travelled all the way from Japan, came to the game and cheered us up. They created a warm atmosphere and made us feel like we were playing a home game, and also gave us the strength to win the game as well. The match was both physically and mentally tough, but all of us worked hard to win the match. I believe that our hard work paid off today. However, I must add that we haven’t achieved anything yet. Now we need to focus on the coming game and make the best possible preparations.

FP #8 SAITO Koichi (NAGOYA OCEANS)
First of all, I’m happy that we won today’s match. We topped the group, but our aim is to win the championship. We have been performing well thanks to warm support we have been receiving from so many people. We are looking capitalise on today’s game and make a good preparation to win coming quarter-final match.

FP #9 MORIMURA Takashi (VASAGEY OITA)
We beat Thailand today and got though the First Round as a top team. Personally, I’m over the moon that I contributed to the team by scoring a goal. Winning the game meant a lot to me and also the team as well. However, I believe there is still room for improvement. We still have issues that we need to address and fix them before the second-round competition as well.

Schedule

*The schedule may be subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.