Semi-finals of the PUMA CUP 2015, the 20th All Japan Futsal Championship were held on Saturday 14 March, to decide the finalists. The final will be between Deucao Kobe, who play in the final for the first time, and Nagoya Oceans, who aim to win their third championship in a row.

The two semi-finals were both very tense. The first match was between Pescadola Machida and Deucao Kobe, and Machida took the initiative right after kick-off. After four minutes, SHINOZAKI Ryuki struck the opener. Then Machida found their rhythm, using all the registered players. However, after TAKITA Manabu, the key defender, was sent off in the 12th minute, the team had to play with one less player for two minutes. They defended solidly with the guardian defender Higor, and kept their one-goal lead until half time.

Kobe, on the other hand, started to attack more in the second half. After 24 minutes, NISHITANI Ryosuke struck a goal, levelling the game. Although the team continued their aggressive attack, finishing with shots, they could not find the back of the net. The game went into overtime with five-minute halves. As they still could not decide the match, the game was left in the hands of penalties, which was the second consecutive penalty shoot out for Machida. Kobe had three successful penalties, and then the goalkeeper ONODERA Yusuke saved a shot from MORIYA Yuta, Machida. Kobe advanced to the final for the first time.

The second match was between Bardral Urayasu and Nagoya Oceans. Urayasu moved the game first, starting a counter-attack to the left side. Then KANYAMA Tetsuichi in the centre finished with a long-distance direct shot, striking the opener. Nagoya reacted straight away and attacked back. 15 seconds after that, Rafael Sakai slotted a loose ball into the goal, levelling the game.

In the 12th minute, WATANABE Tomoaki, who reacted to a floating pass from Serginho on the right side, scored on a diving kick, turning the game round. Although, Urayasu tried to attack fiercely, Nagoya pressed the game. The game went into half time.

Then after 24 minutes, MORIOKA Kaoru, who received a pass from Sakai at the right side, got through the defenders calmly and found the back of the net, building a two-goal lead. As it was a painful goal for Urawa, they could not keep their pace after that. In the 35th minute, HOSHI Shota replaced the goalkeeper and they threw everything into attack to close the gap. However, they could not capitalise on their opportunities before the last whistle. Nagoya won the game 3-1.

The final and the third-place play-off will be held on Sunday 15 March. Will the winner be Kobe, who aim to win the championship for the first time, or Nagoya for their third consecutive title? For Nagoya, they would like to win their fourth consecutive championships after F. League, the F. League Ocean Cup and the AFC Futsal Club Championship. Please keep your eyes on the 20th championship to decide the top of Japan’s futsal teams.

Players' Comments

SUZUMURA Takuya (Deucao Kobe)
Although our goal-scoring attempts were saved numerous times by, no one got demoralised, everyone stayed positive. We couldn’t get a good result in the F. League and let our supporters down. ‘Deucao family’, who have got something to do with our team in Kobe, are great, and I’ve kept trying my best in order to make them happy. I think the opponent in the final is stronger in every aspect - tactics, skills and experiences. As we’re a challenger, I’ll play without thinking too much. I’ll show that attitude on the pitch.

NISHITANI Ryosuke (Deucao Kobe)
I enjoyed myself a lot during today’s match. I’ve kept thinking we could have done more in the league, as we couldn’t get a good result. So getting through the first round gave me some confidence. The players on the bench stayed vocal, encouraging the players on the pitch. I believe that helped Onodera to save the penalty. Regardless of the opponent in the final, I believe in our bench, our strength and our ability.

MORIOKA Kaoru (Nagoya Oceans)
Although we conceded a goal first in today’s match, we reacted swiftly to level the game. So we could get back on our feet, and build up positive momentum to turn the game around. Urayasu got tired in the second half, as they kept running from the beginning. We could press them by moving the ball around and running. As we, Nagoya, are always expected to win, including winning our third consecutive championships and our first four wins, I’d like to play well in the final.

JFA-TV

PUMA CUP 2015 The 20th All Japan Futsal Championship

Fri. 6 March - Sun. 15 March 2015
1st Round：Shizuoka/Ecopa Arena、Osaka/Maishima Arena、Hyogo/Kobe Central Gymnasium
Final Round：Tokyo/Japan Yoyogi first National Gymnasium
Live distribution of quarter-finals, semi-finals, final on JFA-TV(subject to change)

Click here for live distribution

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