The Japan Beach Soccer National Team, who lost the first group match against Portugal 4-2 in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015 the night before, started their preparations for the second game in the group stage against Argentina tomorrow. As the matches are held after a one-day break in the group stage, it’s vital to refresh their minds after a loss to get them ready for the next game.

The players are focused on winning tomorrow’s match against Argentina and started their day as usual with walking and stretching before breakfast. They held an hour-long training session at noon, in which they checked their defence positioning in detail to match Argentina’s attacking patterns.

Two teams in each group will get through the group stage to the knockout stage. It’s essential for Japan to win tomorrow’s match as they lost their first game.

In the meeting after dinner, the players had a discussion about tomorrow’s match to cluster together.

Players’ Comments

GK #1   TERUKINA Shingo (SOL MAR PRAIA)
We lost the first game against Portugal and Argentina won against Senegal, which means that Japan have to win tomorrow’s match against Argentina to get through the group stage. We lost the first game in the previous World Cup Tahiti 2013, but won the second match against Paraguay, who were also from South America. I’d like to play in the same way tomorrow.

My impression of Argentina is that each individual player has high skill and can get through on his own. So it’s vital for us not to lose one-on-one. Also we can get through the opponent, using our strength ? speed.

FP #2   AKAGUMA Takuya (DORSOLE KITAKYUSHU)
As tomorrow’s match against Argentina is vital for us to get through to the next stage, I’d like to play my role fully and contribute to the team’s victory. We played against Argentina twice and lost twice during the South American tour and felt so frustrated. So I’d like to play better this time.

I will show our style to win tomorrow’s match for the fans, who sent encouraging messages for us, and the supporters, who will be at the stadium.

Schedule

*Local Time

Japan's Record for FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

7 World Cup Appearances: 26 games played for 6-2-18 / 71 goals, 113 goals conceded

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015

Thu. 9 July - Sun. 19 July 2015
Group Stage 2nd Match
Sun. 12 July - 00:00 (Japan Time)
Japan Beach Soccer National Team  vs.  Argentine Beach Soccer National Team

More information