On Wednesday 14 September, the Japan Futsal National Team held an official training session at the Matsue City General Gymnasium in preparation for their international friendly match against the Brazil Futsal National Team on Thursday 15.

This series of friendly matches against Brazil are important for Japan in many levels. First of all, it is the first domestic match for the Japan Futsal National Team since coach KOGURE Kenichiro took over and will also serve as a crucial training opportunity leading up to the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Kuwait 2022™ to be held later this month. Brazil is also one of the strongest teams in the world, whom Japan lost to in the round of 16 at last year's FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021™, so this will be an important match to gauge their progress since that time. And lastly, the fact that this will be the first time the Japan National Team, in all JFA categories, will play in Shimane Prefecture attracted a great deal of attention and tickets were sold out quickly.

Ahead of such an important match, Japan warmed up off the pitch before starting their training session. The players gradually picked up their intensity level from the warm-up, as they went over the moves they had been working on during the training camp at Prince Takamado Memorial JFA YUME Field. Coach Kogure urged the players to work in tandem, as he repeatedly mentioned the words, “variation,” “timing,” and “tempo” throughout the session.

The team then worked on their ball possession in both 3-1 and 4-0 systems, set pieces that involved their goalkeeper, and build-up plays after clearing the ball.

After checking the fundamental movements, the team went onto conduct five-on-five drills that simulate real match situations. KANAZAWA Sora (Tachikawa Athletic FC), who has shown a great performance against Bardral Urayasu, displayed his hot form by converting the corner kick delivered by OLIVEIRA Arthur (Nagoya Oceans). Goalkeeper PIRES Higor (Bardral Urayasu) also showcased great concentration by stopping Oliveira’s spot kick.

The team workout came to an end after they covered the powerplays for both ends. The players were then given five minutes to work on their own, as some were seen working on their shots, checking out the surface condition of the gym, played one-on-ones with others, and stretched their body.

The whole session lasted about 50 minutes, as coach Kogure gathered the players to talk about their team strategy against Brazil and gave a pep-talk to wrap up the session.

Following the training session, Mr. UESADA Akihito, the Mayor of Matsue city, paid a visit to encourage the team, as he mentioned, “For the first time in the history of Shimane, the Japan National Team will play a match in our prefecture, in Matsue city. The children are very much looking forward to it and the venue will be packed, so please win.” In response, coach Kogure, who has fought Brazil many times since his playing days, vowed to “make new history” and earn their first win against the South American powerhouse.

On this day, Brazil also conducted their official training session, where the players were seen warming up their bodies in a relaxed atmosphere during the first 15 minutes, in which the training session was open to the media. Rodrigo CAMARGO (Shonan Bellmare) and GARRINCHA (Bardral Urayasu), who both play in the F.League, were called up to the Brazilian squad for the first time, looked somewhat nervous, but they quickly blended in as the session went on.

The first friendly match between the Japan Futsal National Team and Brazil Futsal National Team will kick-off at 19:00 on Thursday 15 September. The match will be streamed live on JFA TV.

Coaches and Players’ Comments

KOGURE Kenichiro, Head Coach (Japan Futsal National Team)
The team has been able to prepare well since arriving in Matsue and we are honoured to be a part of the first ever international friendly match held in Shimane. Japan Futsal National Team have never won against Brazil before, so we want to share the historic moment with the people of Shimane, the children, the many fans who will come from all over the country, and with those who will see futsal for the first time. Please stay tuned. With the group of players we have, I strongly believe that we can make history tomorrow.

Marcos XAVIER, Head Coach (Brazil Futsal National Team)
First of all, we are grateful for the invitation and for this opportunity to come to Japan. I am relieved to be here safely under these circumstances and to be fully prepared for the matches. It is very important for us to be here. In a country where futsal is not yet fully developed, a match against Brazil could be a great steppingstone for the development of the sport. We aim to develop futsal in two countries, Brazil and Japan. We are planning on playing aggressively in these two matches. Japan posed a very difficult challenge in the World Cup, and we are expecting another tough match, but when you represent Brazil, you are expected to win all matches.

FP Rodrigo (Brazil Futsal National Team/Magnus Futsal)
We have played against Japan many times, but the current Japanese team is very technical, focused, and above all very fast, which makes it very difficult to play against. I was able to score a goal in the 3-3 draw against Japan in 2012, and I am delighted to be back playing in Japan again. I am looking forward to the matches from tomorrow onwards, which I hope will be like a big festival with many Japanese fans.

FP Rodrigo CAMARGO (Brazil Futsal National Team/Shonan Bellmare)
I am really happy to be called up to the Brazil Futsal National Team. I think that my 10 years in Japan and seven years playing for Shonan have been rewarded. Seeing all the star players from Europe and Brazil, it's no surprise that GARRINCHA and I are nervous being here. But we are not here to play. I want to play well in these two matches to make a case for myself and be selected for the national team in the future. I also think the players around me could help me raise my potential as an individual, so I will do my best to showcase a good performance.

International Friendly Match

Date: Thu. 15 September 2022 *19:00
Fixture: Japan Futsal National Team vs Brazil Futsal National Team
Venue: Matsue City General Gymnasium (Shimane)
Internet streaming: Live stream on JFA's official YouTube channel "JFATV"
Match Information