On Thursday 2 September, the play-off matches of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games 5-a-side football took place at Aomi Urban Sports Park, where the 5-a-side football (Blind Football Men's) Japan National Team faced Spain in the 5-6th Place Play-off match.

In a match between two sides who have faced each other many times in the past, it was the European champions who created the first opportunity. The play came in the first minute, when Miguel Sanchez LOPEZ made a cut-in from the left side before firing a right footed shot that struck the goal post.

Japan responded by carrying the ball deep in the Spanish territory to earn multiple corner kicks but couldn’t find ways to take a clear shot. KURODA Tomonari broke through the right side to take a shot in the 13th minute, but his attempt sailed over the cross bar.

Just as the match was about to enter halftime scoreless, Kuroda connected with a lobbing corner kick delivered by KAWAMURA Ryo, and struck a half-volley shot that pierced the Spanish goal, giving Japan a 1-0 lead at the break.

With Spain rallying, Japan was forced to be in the defensive end in the second half. In the 31st minute, Japan’s defensive leader SASAKI Roberto Izumi was ejected after committing his fifth foul. However, with SONOBE Yuzuki filling in Sasaki’s shoe, the Japanese players showcased a tenacious effort to hang onto their lead, winning the match 1-0 to finish the Tokyo Paralympics in fifth place.

Coach and Players’ Comments

TAKADA Satoshi, Coach
I told my players on the day before to play with the courage and commitment to win the ball. I am proud of the players for embodying those words to score that wonderful goal. With this being our first Paralympics, this is a starting point for Japan. If we were drawn into the other group, we certainly would have reached the semi-finals. I am confident that Japan will have the chance to win a medal in the close future.

NAKAGWA Eiji, Guide/Assistant Coach
Kuroda is a player with great creativity, so he often takes shots when I tell him not to, and scores goals contrary to the guide’s intention, but including today’s goal, we were on the same page throughout this tournament.

GK #1 SATO Daisuke (Tama Hassas)
I entered the match from the second half, and I kept telling the team to keep their composure and use the time wisely. I might have exceeded the guid-zone, but I wanted to verbalise everything I was thinking even if I receive a caution for it. We lost in penalty shootouts at the third place play-off at the Asian Championship played six years ago, so I am glad we were able to finish on a high note and see everyone’s happy faces.

FP #3 SASAKI Roberto Izumi (Papelecial Shinagawa)
I didn’t know what I did to receive the fifth foul, so that was disappointing. However, I continued to support my team from the outside of the fence. I am disappointed with this result, but we were able to give our best efforts, so this was a very fun Paralympics. I am thankful to everyone who has supported us and provided us with this wonderful opportunity.

FP #7 TANAKA Akihito (Tama Hassas)
In order to win against the world powerhouses, we must raise the level of the individual skills. We can’t win matches if a 43 year old like me is playing the entire match, so we need the younger players to step up. Of course, I am not just going to step down and give up my position, so I will continue to play until I am told that I am no longer needed.

FP #10 KAWAMURA Ryo (Papelecial Shinagawa)
I didn’t think we would score that smoothly from that corner kick at the end of the first half. I was able to deliver the pass exactly where I wanted, and Kuroda scored a fantastic goal. I think the play embodied our spirits. This was our last match with this squad, so I am glad we were able to win.

FP #11 KURODA Tomonari (Tama Hassas)
I was able to visualise the trajectory of Kawamura’s lobbing pass, so I went with my gut and swung my leg as hard as I can. There are magical moments in blind soccer, and that was truly one of those moments. I am so grateful that I was able to experience such moment at the stage of the Paralympics.