International Friendly Match  vs  Czech Republic Futsal National Team
2015-12-7 (Mon.) - 18:00 (Local time)   Playing Time: 40min (20min×2)
Kadan (Sports Hall Kadan)

Japan Futsal National Team   3-2 (1-1, 2-1)   Czech Republic Futsal National Team

Scores
3'   HENMI Katsutoshi Rafael (SL Benfica /Portugal)
4'   Goal against (Czech Republic Futsal National Team)
22'   SAKAI Rafael Yoshio (NAGOYA OCEANS)
31'   Goal against (Czech Republic Futsal National Team)
36'   SAKAI Rafael Yoshio (NAGOYA OCEANS)

Starting Five
GK: FUJIWARA Jun (BARDRAL URAYASU)
FP: SATO Toru (SHRIKER OSAKA),  WATANABE Tomoaki (DALIAN YUANCHAO/China), YOSHIKAWA Tomoki (MAGNA GURPEA/Spain) , HENMI Katsutoshi Rafael (SL Benfica /Portugal)

Match Report

Japan Futsal National Team played the second of their international friendlies against the Czech Republic on 7 December in Kadan.

In the third minute, HENMI Katsutoshi Rafael struck the opener. Although Japan seemed to take the initiative, the Czech Republic soon levelled the game. Neither of the teams let the other add any more insurance and the score stayed the same until halftime.

Japan were eager to show their achievements on this trip, displaying coordinated passing, which they have been practicing, and initiating surprise attacks. Then after 22 minutes, SAKAI crashed home with his left foot. Despite Japan’s attempts at maintaining the lead, the Czech Republic wanted to prove themselves at home, scoring the equaliser in the 31st minute. 

Both teams stayed competitive until the final whistle, but Sakai scored once more to decide the match in the 36th minute. Japan won two consecutive games against the Czech Republic. During this trip, the team had experienced the kind of power and speed that they could not see in Asia. The trip was very productive for the future of the national team.

Players' Comments

FUJIWARA Jun (BARDRAL URAYASU)
We beat the Czech Republic on the last day of the trip. Having said that, there were several moments when we almost lost our momentum from our own mistakes. So, I have to say, the content of the game was not great. In particular conceding goals through set pieces was not good at all. We have to be aware of that as a team, as the quality of set pieces will increase, if an opponent is stronger. It was great that we won a tense game. I believe that the national team are on course to win the AFC Futsal Championship. We will be more inspired and competitive after this trip. I’d like to improve the team even more.

SAKAI Rafael Yoshio (NAGOYA OCEANS)
We won two consecutive games against the Czech Republic. We could show what we learned from yesterday’s game. I’d like to prepare well for the AFC Futsal Championship as well as the coming World Cup. Thank you for your support.

Schedule

*Local time
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, etc.