On Sunday 19 March, the Japan Beach Soccer National Team played their second group stage match of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2023, where they beat China PR Beach Soccer National Team 6-1.

In the sixth minute, Japan conceded the opening goal in an unfortunate way, when Japanese goalkeeper SHIBAMOTO Shinya carried the ball up to the halfway line before unleashing a powerful shot that took a big deflection off the opposing player and back into the unattended Japanese goal.

The gloomy mood was lifted by YAMAUCHI Shusei, the oldest player on the Japanese squad, when he reacted to a deflection caused by a bicycle shot struck by OBA Takaaki from the right side, as the veteran striker calmly converted the loose ball into the net. 30 seconds after the equaliser, Shibamoto followed suit, lifting the ball forward himself and volleying home the go-ahead goal.

Japan found their rhythm in the second period, as they scored their third goal in the fourth minute, when UESATO Takumi delivered a lobbing pass to setup the goal of Oba. AKAGUMA Takuya scored back to back goals in the 11th minute to give Japan a 5-1 lead at the end of the period.

Towards the end of the third period, ITO Ryunosuke, who arrived in Thailand the night before the tournament started as an additional call-up, whipped an overhead shot from the left side. Although the shot was blocked by the goalkeeper, Ito managed to strike the rebound into the net, marking his first international goal.

The Japan Beach Soccer National Team will now face Lebanon on Tuesday 21 March.

Coaches and Players' Comments

MOREIRA Ozu, Player-Coach (Tokyo Verdy BS)
China PR coach Marcelo MENDES is a former coach of the Japan Beach Soccer National Team, and I knew it was going to be a tough battle today because he is capable of building a strong team regardless of the team he manages. We conceded the opening goal from a challenge made by Shinya, but we managed to control the remainder of the match. I have always told the players that we can create good plays as long as we cross the halfway line and build our offence through ball possession. Watching from behind, everyone showed great confidence today, which made me believe that we are heading towards the right direction.

TABATA Teruki, Assistant Coach (Veertien Mie BS)
We didn’t expect to concede the opening goal, but it was great to see our side rally after that. We knew China PR would fight aggressively, but we wanted to just focus on showing what we have worked so far. (China PR’s) Coach Marcelo is a great tactician and analyst of the game, so we knew we had to give our all to win against China PR. We will now reset our minds and prepare ahead of our next match against Lebanon on the 21st.

FP #9 YAMAUCHI Shusei (Tokyo Verdy BS)
I entered the match anticipating that China PR could take the lead against us. (Reflecting on the equaliser) As soon as Oba controlled the ball, I knew he was going to strike a bicycle shot on target, so I was already on the move to convert the deflection. At the current stage of my career, I am constantly thinking of ways to support and make things easier for my teammates. I want to make the right decisions to help the team score goals and win matches. In that sense, I am glad that I was able to score and assist a goal today.

FP #11 ITO Ryunosuke (Lazo Apego Kitakyusyu)
I was determined to score goals, even if my playing time was limited. I am relieved to have scored my first goal, despite the pressure of carrying the number 11 of veteran player Okuyama, who has left the team due to an injury. It was very inspiring to see Yamada score a goal in the first match. I will not be content by scoring a goal, but will always try to catch up and overtake the senior players.

YouTube(AFC):#ACBeachSoccer Thailand 2023 | China PR 1 - 6 Japan

AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2023

Tournament Date: Thu. 16 - Sun. 26 March 2023

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