On 10 February, Japan Futsal National Team whose AFC Futsal Championship campaign is about to kick off had a practice from 5:00 p.m. local time (9:00 p.m. Japan time) for their first match of the tournament to be held on 11 February.

Before the practice, they had a video meeting for everyone on the roster to review the opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. The short but well-concentrated practice consisted of drills focusing on avoiding press defence, attacking in power-play situations, and making sure set-piece variations. Not only the coaching staff but also the players themselves spontaneously communicated with each other when a question arises in the details of plays. The productive time passed as the players worked out aggressively and composedly.

As a side note, on the same day the coach of each participating teams gathered at noon to speak at an official press conference. It was reminded that Qatar, Japan’s first opponents, have significantly improved in recent years as they invited talented coaches and players to the national team. No team can underestimate them. Even so, Japan’s boss Miguel RODRIGO appeared confident as the coach of two-time defending champions in assuredly speaking of his expectations for the third consecutive title.

The first match of Japan Futsal National Team kicks off at 4:30 p.m. local time (8:30 p.m. Japan time) on 11 February.

Coach and Players' Comments

Miguel RODRIGO, Coach
Our opponents tomorrow Qatar have got better and better in recent years. They have received great influence from European coaches, and they recently recorded a win against Uzbekistan who are as good as Japan. As it is the first match in the tournament, we can expect the match to be a difficult one. I think tomorrow’s match will be the key in the top spot race in Group D. But it is all up to us whether we win it or not tomorrow. As long as we play confidently and do what we are supposed to do, it must give us the win. We will be united as a team and stay focused for the match.

#3  MUROTA Yuki (ESPOLADA HOKKAIDO)
The AFC Futsal Championship started today and we will play against Qatar tomorrow. They are not easy opponents to beat, and the first match of a tournament is difficult. We want to stay focused when we start it off. We have done the best preparation possible both as a team and as an individual until today. We want to believe in ourselves and enjoy every match we play.

#14  NISHITANI Ryosuke (FUGADOR SUMIDA)
Finally the AFC Futsal Championship is getting started. There is a challenge that only we are allowed to take. To achieve the third straight championship, we will play as one united team, trust each other and do our best. First, it’s the first match that we have to take care of. To start this campaign well, we want to come out focused and determined. 

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

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]

Group Stage 1st Match
Thu. 11 February　Kick Off at 16:30 (20:30 Japan Time)
vs  Qatar Futsal National Team
LIVE: Thu. 11 February 20:20- NHK-BS1
Prerecorded: Fri. 12 February 21:00- CS TV Asahi Ch2

More information