AFC Futsal Championship Uzbekistan 2016  Group Stage 3rd Match vs Australia Futsal National Team
2016-2-15 (Mon.) -16:30 (Local time)   Playing Time: 40min. (20min.×2)
Uzbekistan Stadium/Uzbekistan

Japan Futsal National Team　3-1 (2-1, 1-0)　Australia Futsal National Team

Scores
8'   #7   HENMI Katsutoshi Rafael (SL Benfica/Portugal)
12'   Goal against
19'   #9   MORIOKA Kaoru (NAGOYA OCEANS)
34'   #10   NIBUYA Kazuhiro (VASAGEY OITA)

Starting Five
GK: SEKIGUCHI Yushi (ESPOLADA HOKKAIDO)
FP: TAKITA Manabu (PESCADOLA MACHIDA), MORIOKA Kaoru (NAGOYA OCEANS), NIBUYA Kazuhiro (VASAGEY OITA), HENMI Katsutoshi Rafael (SL Benfica/Portugal)

Match Report

Japan Futsal National Team, which was participating in the AFC Futsal Championship 2016 in Uzbekistan, played against Australia in the third group stage game on Monday 15 February.

At the beginning of the game, although Japan overwhelmed Australia, creating several goal-scoring opportunities with quick passes and combinations, they could not find the back of the net. In the 8th minute, however, HENMI Katsutoshi Rafael, who reacted to a loose ball from MORIOKA Kaoru’s corner kick, struck the opener with his heel. Australia, who are physically strong and tough, attacked back, and fired a superb shot in the 12th minute to level the game. The score stayed the same for a while. Then after 19 minutes, Morioka struck a great shot to build a one-goal lead before the end of the first half.

Early in the second half, although Japan were eager to add more goals to decide and control the game, they struggled physically against a powerful Australian defence. After 34 minutes, a lob shot from NIBUYA Kazuhiro finally found the back of the net. Japan won the match 3-1.

Japan Futsal National Team topped Group D having already qualified for quarterfinals.

In Group B, Thailand came out on top after beating Vietnam 3-1. Japan will meet Vietnam, who ended in second place in Group B, in the quarterfinal. Japan will be able to book a place in the FIFA Futsal World Cup in September by winning this quarterfinal.

Players' Comments

FP #3  MUROTA Yuki (ESPOLADA HOKKAIDO)
We won against Australia 3-1 today, and topped the group. The team is in excellent condition and there is a good atmosphere around. As we will meet Vietnam in the quarterfinal, I expect the match will be tough. We’ll play as a united team to earn a victory! Personally, I’d like to get myself in a good condition to contribute to the team.

FP #7  HENMI Katsutoshi Rafael (SL Benfica/Portugal)
I’m relieved that we beat Australia today. I could score a goal as well. Having said that, we could have controlled the game better. As Australia played with all their power, I’m pleased we could win against that kind of opponent. With one more victory, we will book a place in the World Cup. As the next game is vital, I’d like to have a good rest in order to face the match against Vietnam in good condition.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Schedule

*Local Time
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.
*Top five team will earn FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016™ (2016/9/10-10/1) berth

AFC Futsal Championship Uzbekistan 2016 [Wed. 10 February - Sun. 21 February 2016]

Knockout Stage/Quarter-Finals
Wed. 17 February　Kick Off at 19:00 (23:00 Japan Time)
vs  Vietnam Futsal National Team
LIVE: Wed. 17 February  22:55- NHK-BS1, Wed. 17 February  22:50- CS TV Asahi Ch2

More information