AFC Futsal Championship Chinese Taipei 2018
Quarter-Final vs Bahrain Futsal National team
8 February 2018 (Thu.) Kick-off 16:00(Local Time) Playing Time 40min.(20min.×2)
University of Taipei (Taipei, Chinese Taipei)

Japan Futsal National Team 2-0 (1-0 ,1-0) Bahrain Futsal National team

Scores
7'　SAITO Koichi (Japan Futsal National Team)
28'　SHIMIZU Kazuya (Japan Futsal National Team)

Starting Line-ups
GK: PIRES Higor
FP: HENMI Katsutoshi Rafael, TAKITA Manabu, MORIOKA Kaoru, NISHITANI Ryosuke

Reserves
GK: SEKIGUCHI Yushi
FP: MUROTA Yuki、SAITO Koichi, MINAMOTO Akira, YOSHIKAWA Tomoki, NIBUYA Kazuhiro, HOSHI Shota, SHIMIZU Kazuya, WATANABE Tomoaki

Match Report

Japan Futsal National Team took on Bahrain on Thursday 8 February in the quarterfinal of the AFC Futsal Championship Chinese Taipei 2018.

Japan entered the knockout stage as Group B leader with three consecutive wins, showing great improvements and displaying solid matches throughout the group stage. With 4 points, Bahrain was the runner-up in Group A. Their team consist players with high-level physical abilities, and their counter-attacks are major threats.

Japan took the initiative with their solid defence and quick transitions. In the 7th minute, SAITO Koichi scored the first goal for Japan with his left foot, assisted by HOSHI Shota. With this goal, Japan gained momentum, dominating the game with their well-balanced performance, giving no ground to cover for the Bahrain side. Japan maintained the one goal lead into half-time.

Japan kept their momentum going into the second half. In the 28th minute, YOSHIKAWA Tomoki sent a pass to SHIMIZU Kazuya, who showed a nifty turn while holding off the defender and scored with a right footed shot, adding a precious goal for the Japanese side.

Japan showed no sign of slowing down, keeping Bahrain scoreless throughout the match, with the final score of 2-0. Japan advanced to the semi-final on Friday 9.

Coach's and Players' Comments

Bruno GARCIA, Coach
We had a game plan heading into the match today, and the players executed the plan precisely. I think that is the main reason we got the result we wanted. Once again, our team’s improvement was evident today. But we have to put this game aside now and focus on the semi-final we face tomorrow. We are facing a strong Iraqi team. We will stick with our routine, take a good rest and prepare for tomorrow’s game. And lastly, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the earthquake occurred on the 6th at Hualien City in Taiwan. I am praying for a quick recovery from this tragic event.

GK #2 PIRES Higor (Pescadola Machida)
We all played a solid game today. Our defence might have displayed one of the best games ever today. We didn’t give our opponent much chances to take shots. Of course I’m happy with the win today, but we are determined to make it to the final, so we have to keep our focus and prepare for tomorrow’s game against Iraq.

FP #4 SAITO Koichi (Nagoya Oceans)
I'm very happy with the win against Bahrain today. It was a tough match because they played hard until the very end. We managed to score first and dominate the game there on. I would like to express my sympathy to those who have been affected by the earthquake in Taiwan and I am praying for a fast recovery. We will continue to play hard to win tomorrow and I hope we can encourage those who have been affected.

FP #12 SHIMIZU Kazuya (Fugador Sumida)
We were able to play our game throughout the match today. The team showed improvements on the issues going into the match, while showing our strengths to its full potential. We expect the next match to be a tough one as well, so we will work hard as a team to pull off a victory.

FP #14 NISHITANI Ryosuke (Nagoya Oceans)
I finally got to restart from where I left behind two years ago. I feel like we are truly fighting together as a team with pride and responsibility. The semi-final will be another tough match, but I believe in my teammates and myself that we will get the best results possible.

Schedule

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

AFC Futsal Championship Chinese Taipei 2018

Tournament Period: Thu. 1 - Sun. 11 February 2018
Knock out stage Semi-Finals
Japan Futsal National Team vs Iraq Futsal National Team
9 February 2018 (Fri.) Kick-off 16:00(Local Time 17:00)

For more information