The team left Narita Airport in the evening on Wednesday 1 July. They transferred in Istanbul and, after nearly 24 hours, arrived in Espinho, Portugal, where the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015 will be held on Thursday 9 July. After their arrival, the team started their practice session in preparation for the first match a week later.

The players focused on long-distance jogging and stretching, followed by basic training, such as passing and trapping, in order to recover from the long flight.

Japan head coach Marcelo MENDES joined the shooting practice and a mini game as a goalkeeper. The team stayed relaxed all the time and checked the sand condition in Espinho for approximately an hour. The temperature was around 20 C with low humidity in the breeze, which were ideal playing conditions.

There is an eight-hour time difference between Japan and Portugal and the sun stays out until nine in the evening, which may make it a little difficult for the players to adjust to the local time. They will get themselves ready both mentally and physically for the first match against the Portugal national team on Thursday 9 July.

Players’ Comments

AKAGUMA Takuya (DORSOLE KITAKYUSHU)
I feel that the World Cup is finally happening, after arriving in Portugal. Although it’s cool and an agreeable climate here, the condition of the sand is fairly different from Japan. So I’d like to adjust myself to it as soon as possible. I came to Portugal last year, when I was chosen for the national team for the first time to participate in the BSWW Mundialito 2014 Espinho. However, I stayed on the bench all the time, not having an opportunity to be on the pitch. I felt really frustrated back then. I’d like to prepare well for this World Cup, so that I can show my improvement.

TERUKINA Shingo (SOL MAR PRAIA)
Today we held a light session in order to recover from the long flight. Although it’s just the first day, there was a good atmosphere around the team. It depends on how much we can improve our condition and concentration before the championship. As we cannot improve our technical skills massively within one week before the first game, I think it’s essential to prepare the mental aspects as well as communicate better among the team. I believe I’m one of the experienced players, because I’ve taken part in the World Cup several times before. I’d like to share with those players, who are newcomers to the World Cup, how to control our motivation and get ready for the first match.

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 1st Match
Thu. 9 July - 22:30 (Japan Time)
Portugal Beach Soccer National Team  vs.  Japan Beach Soccer National Team

More information