Mundialito Almada 2018 2nd Match vs Portugal
Sat. 16 June 2018 Kick-off 17:45 12mins×3
Costa da Caparica (Almada, Portugal)

Japan Beach Soccer National Team 3-4 (1-1, 1-2, 1-0, ex.0-1) Portugal Beach Soccer National Team

Scores
2' Goal against (Portugal Beach Soccer National Team)
6' GOTO Takasuke (Japan Beach Soccer National Team)
21' GOTO Takasuke (Japan Beach Soccer National Team)
21' Goal against (Portugal Beach Soccer National Team)
22' Goal against (Portugal Beach Soccer National Team)
25' GOTO Takasuke (Japan Beach Soccer National Team)
37' Goal against (Portugal Beach Soccer National Team)

Starting Line-ups
GK: KAWAI Yusuke
FP: MATSUOKA Shota, IINO Tomoyuki, OBA Takaaki, OKUYAMA Masanori

Reserves
GK: TERUKINA Shingo
FP: KOMAKI Masayuki, MOREIRA Ozu, YAMAUCHI Shusei, GOTO Takasuke

Match Report

On Saturday 16 June, the Japan Beach Soccer National Team played against the host nation Portugal in their second match of the Mundialito Almada2018. In the match which saw the two teams battled into extra-time, Portugal came out victorious with a final score of 4-3.

Having won the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2015, the Portugal Beach Soccer National Team currently sits number two in the world rankings. The Japanese side, who ranks ninth in the world challenged the international powerhouse with stands filled with Portuguese supporters. Coach KAGEYAMA Masanaga of the U-18 Japan National Team, who are currently in their Portugal tour showed his support along with the coaching staffs as a member of the same Football Family.

In the early minutes of the match, Japan conceded a foul in front of their goal, allowing Portugal to score the opener off a penalty kick. Facing a Portuguese side with great techniques and superior physical abilities, Japan displayed great persistence to stay in the match, gradually increasing their ball possession. In the sixth minute, GOTO Takasuke received the ball from the goalkeeper KAWAI Yusuke to score the equaliser with a bicycle kick.

The second period saw both teams showcasing an equally matched battle, and in the 21st minute, Goto forced a turnover in the attacking end before calmly slotting the ball into the net to give Japan the go-ahead goal. However, Portugal came back just seconds later, when they fired a kick-off shot that found the back of the net. The home side continued on with another goal to retake the lead.

In the third period, Goto earned a foul in front of the opposing goal, allowing Japan to level the match with a goal from this free kick. The Japanese goal was threatened many times, but the tenacity showcased by the Japanese defence kept the score tied, leading into the three-minute extra time.

Despite their efforts, Japan conceded a goal early in the extra period after conceding a free kick deep in their half. Portugal converted the spot kick and went onto win the match 4-3.

Japan will now face Mexico Beach Soccer National Team on Sunday 17 June at 12:30, as there last match of the tournament.

Players' Comments

GK ＃12 KAWAI Yusuke (Tokyo Verdy BS)
After losing to Spain in our first match, we discussed what we need to do ahead of our match against Portugal today. Although we conceded the opening goal, the team managed to do what we were supposed to do and were able to equalise the match. However, we ultimately lost the match in overtime. The way we conceded all of the goals off set-plays were regretful, and we feel like we’ve lost a match we should have won. We must share a deeper understanding of the team tactics and heighten the overall level of the team moving forward. We have lost two of our three matches so far, but we hope to win our next match against Mexico before we head back home.

FP ＃11 GOTO Takasuke (Tokyo Lequios BS)
We should have won the match. It’s very regretful. In matches like this, it all comes down to who wants it more. It’s not about getting intense, but rather staying calm to perform your usual plays. Our current team tends to get nervous when facing foreign teams, which unable us from performing our usual plays. We will face another strong team tomorrow. We hope to nurture our team to have a mentality that allows us to perform what we do in practice in these big matches. That is what we need to win the World Cup.

Match highlights (external link)

Schedule

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

MUNDIALITO ALMADA 2018

Tournament period:Fri. 15 June - Sun. 17 June 2018

Tournament Information