Japan Beach Soccer National Team began their camp in Okinawa today ahead of international friendlies against U.S. Beach Soccer National Team to be held on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June.

As the upcoming friendlies are set for the last tune-up opportunity ahead of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2015 starting on 9 July in Portugal, the players assembled in Okinawa apparently with uplifting spirit.

While last month's Okinawa camp was held in overcast weather as being just after entering Japan’s Tsuyu rainy season, this camp started after such a season ended and the first day took place under scorching sun with over 30 degree.

The squad worked mainly on fundamentals and finished a two-hour practice session with shooting drills combined with physical training at the last part of it.

Players' Comments  

ODA Hirofumi (TOKYO LEQUIOS BS)
The camp started today. It's very hot in Okinawa with the rainy season just ending, and I came from Kanto. I will get myself in shape before the international friendlies on 20th and 21st. These friendlies are very important to build up the team for the World Cup. We will concentrate on each day of training to make a good preparation.

SAITO Masaki (Vamos a la Casa)
This is my second national team camp, so I think I can have closer communications with my teammates compared to the last time. I will try to build up combinations with my teammates and fit into the team's tactics well.

Because the friendly against USA is going to be the first match I play against an overseas team, I'm really looking forward to it. I will showcase my strength if I get a chance to play. Before coming to this camp, I got encouraged from students in the whole school I work for. I hope I can play well to live up to their expectations.

AKAGUMA Takuya (Dorsole Kitakyushu）
The camp and friendlies are the last things we do in Japan before the World Cup. Both as a team and an individual, we will prepare for the World Cup with a higher determination. 

What I want to take a closer look at during this camp's training is details of tactics. I will try to play while always being conscious of the offence and the defence our coach is expecting from us. When we faced the US national team at last year's Intercontinental Cup, I was disappointed that I wasn't able to play well individually. So I will definitely put up a good result this time.

Schedule

International Friendly Match　vs.  U.S. Beach Soccer National Team (Ginowan Tropicalbeach）

Sat. 20 June 16:00    vs.  U.S. Beach Soccer National Team
Sun. 21 June 16:00   vs.  U.S. Beach Soccer National Team
Ginowan-city Tropicalbeach/Okinawa
*Admission Free
More information

Future Schedule