On the fourth day of their training in Espinho, the host city of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015, Japan Beach Soccer National Team had a training session only in the afternoon today.

Japan had the training together with the Paraguay national team, who will also participate in the World Cup, and played a training match against them. The training match, consisting of three 15-minute scrimmages, started at 2:30 p.m. as their opening match simulation. The both teams are scheduled to kick off at the same time, as Japan play against Portugal at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday 9 July and Paraguay face Russia at 2:30 p.m. on Friday 10 July.

It turned out to be a good opportunity for the Japan squad to go through their offensive and defensive formations and set pieces, all of which they had worked on during the past three days since their arrival in Espinho. Japanese and Paraguayan players praised each other's performances after the match.

Although the Japan team have more homework, they will attempt to solve them and tune up the team in the remaining four days to take on host nation Portugal in perfect form.

Players’ Comments

OBA Takaaki (Dorsole Kitakyushu)
In the training match against Paraguay, we were all able to work hard and play well under our head coach. But we had a couple of situations where we lost our rhythm and allowed chances to the opponents. We will improve what we need to improve by our opening match. Taking it positive that we found what to improve, we will discuss together in the team.

YAMAUCHI Shusei (G.C. Nerine)
Having stayed in Portugal for four days, I'm finally getting used to the time and environment here. Even off the pitch, meals at hotel are delicious, and as a whole we've had productive prep training before the tournament. In the World Cup, where we decide the world No.1, the mental side and teamwork will always be the key. Learning from the Nadeshiko Japan, now playing the Women's World Cup, we will also work hard to put up a great result on the stage of the World Cup.

Schedule

*Local Time

Japan's Record for FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

7 World Cup Appearances: 26 games played for 6-2-18 / 71 goals, 113 goals conceded

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015

Thu. 9 July - Sun. 19 July 2015
Group Stage 1st Match
Thu. 9 July - 22:30 (Japan Time)
Portugal Beach Soccer National Team  vs.  Japan Beach Soccer National Team

More information