Japan Futsal National Team played international friendly against the Colombia Futsal National Team at the National Yoyogi Stadium in Tokyo on 27 January and at the Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium on 30 January. The 14 players got together again in Chiba on 2 February in preparation for the AFC Futsal Championship.

The friendlies were held during their training camp from 19 January in Nagoya. Despite some difficulties in adjusting themselves physically as well as mentally, they earned victories, which improved the team’s quality.

The team held an hour-and-a-half practice session to recover, using the ball. Although the players stayed focused, they were cheerful in communicating with each other. They started well for the coming game against Qatar on 11 February.

Players' Comments

TANAKA Toshinori (FUCHU ATHLETIC F.C.)
Winning two games against Colombia brought us some confidence and motivation. From today, I’d like to practice hard to improve as a team and as individuals in preparation for the AFC Futsal Championship. Your support will be much appreciated.

SAKAI Rafael Yoshio (NAGOYA OCEANS)
We had a two-day break after the friendlies against Colombia. We started our focused practice sessions today in order to claim the title in the AFC Futsal Championship. There is a good atmosphere around the team, and we’re having a productive time. Although the training will be tougher in the domestic camp, I’ll do my best to win the championship.

HENMI Katsutoshi Rafael (SL Benfica/Portugal)
I was pleased that we won two friendlies against Colombia. We’ll participate in the AFC Futsal Championship very shortly. I’d like to practice hard to get myself ready. As each and every match is vital, I’d like to earn victories as a team to win the championship.

Schedule

*Local Time
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.
*Top five team will earn FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016™ (2016/9/10-10/1) berth

AFC Futsal Championship Uzbekistan 2016

Wed. 10 February - Sun. 21 February 2016

More information