Japan Futsal National Team coach Miguel RODRIGO spoke at the press conference on 26 January at Y National Yoyogi Stadium First Gymnasium in Tokyo, the venue for the upcoming friendly against Colombia to be held tomorrow. "My players have some fatigue, but we will show off a good futsal game," said Japan coach.

In the run up to the AFC Futsal Championship (starting on 11 February in Uzbekistan), where Japan compete for their treble and a ticket to the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016, the two matches against Colombia will be a significant check point to test the readiness of the team in the course of their domestic prep camp that began on 19 January.

The counterparts Colombia are one of the world's powerhouses, advancing the last four at the World Cup Thailand in 2012, where Japan reached the last 16. For the Futsal World Cup to be held in their home country in September of this year, the South American side have built up the team by holding a two-week camp every month since last May. They also took part in the Copa America, the Guatemala Cup and the Futsal Grand Prix, finishing fourth, first and third places respectively.

The team coming to Japan include the six players who played the World Cup 2012 such as Andres Camilo REYES JULIO and Angellott Alexander CARO GARCES.

Japan's coach Rodorigo points out, "Colombia are a great team who claimed fourth place at the World Cup. They have got individual skills and strong attacking ability." While his players have some fatigue after hard workouts centred on physical training during the camp, he maintains his hopes for his players' capacity of coping with the opponents. "The key is how well we can battle on 1-on-1 situations. If we can disturb the opponents and our physical condition keeps in form, there is a chance of winning."

Japan opened the official training to the media while Colombia closed most of theirs. HENMI Katsutoshi Rafael (SL Benfica/Portugal), who returned after a long interval, MORIOKA Kaoru (NAGOYA OCEANS) and the rest of the players went through attacking patterns and defensive moves, keeping Colombia's moves in mind.

Henmi says, "It's been about three years and half since I played in Japan last time.  I was always thinking about the national team and wanted to come back. Now I've got a chance, so I will work hard."

YOSHIKAWA Tomoki (MAGNA GURPEA/Spain), joining the team on 23 January, says, "Japan haven't won at Yoyogi. We will win definitely tomorrow. To get into the Asian Qualifiers with a good mood, tomorrow we step on the pitch just as we treat it like a real stage, and win the match.

The first match between Japan and Colombia is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m. on 27 January. The second clash will kick off at 2:15 p.m. on 30 January at Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium.

Coach and Players' Comments

Miguel RODRIGO, Coach (Japan Futsal National Team)
The team have worked hard mostly on physical training in the camp, so they have some fatigue and find their body is heavy. Even so, I hope we can show off a good futsal game. For the FIFA World Cup ticket and the three-straight AFC Futsal Championship title, our team's mood is very good and our solidarity is getting stronger. Colombia have got individual skills and strong attacking ability. The key is how well we can battle on 1-on-1 situations and disturb the opponents. If our physical condition keeps in form until the end, there is a chance of winning.

HENMI Katsutoshi Rafael (SL Benfica/Portugal)
I think it's been about three years and half since I played a match for the Japan National Team, and I feel that's good after all. We've worked on improving combinations little by little. I'm sure that's going to be even better after some more practice. To make the AFC Futsal Championship successful one for us, we will work out step by step and improve ourselves.

SEKIGUCHI Yushi (ESPOLADA HOKKAIDO)
Everyone feels happy to play a match in Japan after a long spell. I've never seen Colombia playing live and they are something we don't know, but the first match is important in any competition including the AFC Futsal Championship. We will try to get into the game safely without any fault and, I hope we can go to the AFC Futsal Championship with a good image.

YOSHIKAWA Tomoki (MAGNA GURPEA/Spain)
Thinking about the Iran match at the AFC Championship, the opponents are the good one for us to play against at this stage. I think they are strong on 1-on-1 and we should win on such situations. I believe we can play our style of futsal. It's been a while since I played for the Japan National Team, but there is no problem. We are all ready for tomorrow.

SHIMIZU Kazuya (FUGADOR SUMIDA)
My body is very tired but my mind is very relaxed. I feel we are having a good camp so far. At the World Cup four years ago, MIURA Kazuyoshi (Yokohama FC) joined the team and I was enjoying the national team's matches. I never thought I could join the team four years later. I will also try my best to become a futsal player who can give a dream to children.

Osmar FONNEGRA, Coach (Colombia Futsal National Team)
The coming two matches are meaningful in terms of selecting the squad for the FIFA Futsal World Cup. Of the 14 men, I brought six World Cup members and some new faces. Our spectacular playing style with individual skills and energetic moves has not changed, but the players have more matured during the past four years and our defence has also improved. I believe the players will play it with their 100%.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Schedule

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

International Friendly Match

Japan Futsal National Team vs Colombia Futsal National Team
[ 1st Match ] Wednesday,27 January 2016 Kick Off at 19:05 (estimate time) 
Tokyo/National Yoyogi Stadium First Gymnasium
[ 2nd Match ] Saturday,30 January 2016 Kick Off at 14:15 (estimate time) 
Osaka/Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium
Ticket now on sale!
More information