AFC Futsal Championship Chinese Taipei 2018
Final vs Iran Futsal National team
11 February 2018 (Sun.) Kick-off 20:00(Local Time) Playing Time 40min.(20min.×2)
Xinzhuang Gymnasium (Taipei, Chinese Taipei)

Japan Futsal National Team 0-4 (0-1 ,0-3) Iran Futsal National team

Scores
20'　goal against (Iran Futsal National team)
22'　goal against (Iran Futsal National team)
29'　goal against (Iran Futsal National team)
40'　goal against (Iran 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 advanced to the final of the AFC Futsal Championship Chinese Taipei 2018 after beating Iraq 3-0 in the semi-final. They squared off with Iran, who has finished third in the Futsal World Cup in 2016, widely considered as one of the best teams in Asia. On their way to the final, Iran had scored 46 goals in 5 games, showing off their dominance in this tournament.

It was thought that Iran would take the initiative of the match, however, the Japanese side came out with high intensity, applying pressure from the attacking end, and their defence played tenaciously, giving limited opportunities for the Iranian side. Japan seemingly gained momentum from their solid defence, but could not convert their chances on the attacking third. As time was winding down in the first half, Iran penetrated the left side and scored their first goal.

Being down by one goal, Japan eagerly sought for the equaliser, but conversely gave up another goal in the 22nd minute from a give-and-go played by their opponents. Iran would further extend their lead in the 29th minute with their third goal, and Japan would be forced to play their power-play in order to create a chance to get back in the match. MUROTA Yuki received a brilliant pass from WATANABE Tomoaki, but could not convert on this opportunity.

In the 40th minute, Iran forced a turnover from a mistake given up by Japan during their power-play and scored their fourth goal. Japan managed to advance to their first final since 2014 and played well, but could not overcome the mighty offense displayed by the Iranian squad. The match ended with the final score of 0-4, and Japan ended as the runners-up of the championship.

Coach's and Players' Comments

Bruno GARCIA, Coach
Our players did a wonderful job in the first half. In many aspects I think we were better than Iran. However, towards the end of the half, we made a critical error and conceded a goal. We also allowed another goal at the beginning of the second half, and those two goals have massively affected the result of the match. Even so, there were stretches where we looked like we got our rhythm back and controlled the game. The last moments of the game, we played our power-play in order to score a goal, but that didn’t work out.

In this type of high-level competition, the pure quality of efficiency and accuracy plays a major role. I have to admit that Iran was better than us in those aspects. We need to learn from this experience and come back to this stage as a much stronger team. I truly believe that our players have worked hard throughout the championship with a positive mentality, and they have managed to showcase our play-style on the court. I think their efforts deserves to be acknowledged on the podium.

FP #5 MINAMOTO Akira (Fuchu Athletic F.C.)
It’s definitely a disappointing result. But I believe we were able to display that we are on the right track, working with coach Bruno. We need to share this disappointment, not just with the players here, but throughout the Japanese futsal community, and work towards the next AFC Futsal Championship two years from now. I’d like to thank everyone who has shown their support here and through the broadcast. Your voices were heard, and we are very thankful for that.

FP #6 YOSHIKAWA Tomoki (Nagoya Oceans)
It was a very disappointing result but this is where we stand. This championship strongly motivated me to improve our level not only as a team but also as an individual player. Thank you very much for all of your support. We are not giving-up. Please continue to support us.

FP #9 MORIOKA Kaoru (Pescadola Machida)
Throughout the match we were force to be patient. We played great defence and created many opportunities in the first half, but we couldn’t capitilise on those occasions. It was evident that the Iranian side were frustrated and showed impatience against our performance, but obviously we can’t win if we don’t score. There were lots to learn through this championship, and we’ll just have to work hard towards the next AFC championship in 2020.

FP #11 HOSHI Shota (Bardral Urayasu Futbol Sala)
It is such a shame that we ended the competition with defeat. We could not score to win the match. I won’t forget the scene of the Iranian players celebrating. It will motivate me to work hard every day from now. I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful team with great players and awesome staff members. And I’d like to thank everyone who has played and contributed to our team to get us where we are now. I also thank everybody who kept supporting us. Thank you very much.

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
For more information