Japan Beach Soccer National Team were on the seventh day of their stay in Portugal and held the final practice session in preparation for the opening match against Portugal in the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

In a one-hour session, the players started with some basic light training to warm up, and moved onto a 30-minute mini game. They seemed to be relaxed and did final adjustments for next day’s match in the usual atmosphere.

After dinner, they held a meeting, using videos and the football tactical board. The players discussed about each play in both attack and defence in detail, while watching and analysing the old games of the Portugal Beach Soccer National Team.

Japan lost the match in the quarterfinals in the previous 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Tahiti. It has been one year and three months since Marcelo MENDES became the team coach, and the team has improved with certainty through various tournaments and tours. 

There will be many Portugal supporters at the stadium in tomorrow’s match, as Portugal are hosting this championship. However, the team will aim to play their style to win their first match and build up positive momentum for them.

Players' Comments 

GOTO Takasuke (TOKYO LEQUIOS BS)
The weather’s been great since we arrived in Portugal and we’ve been preparing ourselves well in this excellent environment.

We will play the first match of the World Cup against the Portugal Beach Soccer National Team, who defeated us 8-2, starting at the same kick-off time in the same place as the BSWW MUNDIALITO GAIA 2014 last year. It was one of the toughest games I’ve ever played, in which the opponent kept possession all the time.

I believe the team as well as each individual has improved a lot since then through many experiences. I’d like to stay calm from the start to the last whistle and play hard as a united team.

OBA Takaaki (DORSOLE KITAKYUSHU)
Although it’s my first World Cup, I’m more excited rather than nervous about the first match tomorrow. I think it’s a great opportunity to see how much I can play in the World Cup, one of the top-level tournaments, and also to realise how much the team has improved since Marcelo Mendes became the team coach.

As I’m getting myself into a good physical condition here, I’d like to contribute to the team’s victory tomorrow by playing normally. I’d also like to do my best for the supporters in Japan.

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