◆Date: Sat. 27 May 2023, 19:15 (Local time)
◆Venue: Alhamra Beach Stadium (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

Japan Beach Soccer National Team 6-3 (3-0, 2-2, 1-1) Saudi Arabia Beach Soccer National Team

【Scores】
<1p>
6' MOREIRA Ozu
8' MATSUO Naoya
11' MIYAMA Ryunosuke
<2p>
1' Goal Against
6' Goal Against
7' OBA Takaaki
9' MIYAMA Ryunosuke
<3p>
4' Goal Against
5' MIYAMA Ryunosuke

■Starting Line-up
GK: KAWAI Yusuke
FP: MOREIRA Ozu, OBA Takaaki, KIBUNE Yuki, AKAGUMA Takuya

■Reserves
GK: SHIBAMOTO Shinya
FP: YAMAUCHI Shusei, YAMADA Takahito, MATSUDA Kosuke, MATSUO Naoya, MIYAMA Ryunosuke, ITO Ryunosuke

Match Report

The Japan Beach Soccer National Team, who failed to qualify for the ANOC World Beach Games Bali 2023 after losing to IR Iran on the day before, faced Saudi Arabia in the third place match.

The match started with Japan controlling the ball possession but couldn’t find ways to convert their chances in the early minutes. However, in the sixth minute, MATSUO Naoya carried the ball upfront before sending the ball into the mix to setup MOREIRA Ozu’s bicycle shot that found the back of the net. Two minutes later, OBA Takaaki responded to a long-throw delivered by KAWAI Yusuke before redirecting the ball to Matsuo, who headed it into the net.

In the 12th minute, just before the end of the first period, MIYAMA Ryunosuke scored the team’s third goal, marking his first international goal.

Japan conceded a goal at the start of the second period, and despite the tenacious efforts displayed by their goalkeepers, Kawai and SHIBAMOTO Shinya, the team conceded another goal in the 18th minute, which cut their lead to just one goal.

With the match intensifying, Oba and Miyama scored a goal each in the 19th and 22nd minutes respectively to extend the Japanese lead, as the second period ended with a score of 5-2.

After both sides scored a goal apiece in the third period, Japan won the match 6-3 to finish the tournament in third place.

“We cannot become the world champions if we continue to play like this,” player-coach Moreira was heard warning the team as the team struggled to play with poise and establish their rhythm throughout the match. Coach Tabata also added, “We must make the most of this result and strive to improve ourselves ahead of the World Cup,” as the team wrapped up their activity in Saudi Arabia.

The Japan Beach Soccer National Team will continue to prepare themselves for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2023™, which is scheduled to take place in November.

Players' Comments

FP #3 KIBUNE Yuki (Averdade Kumamoto BS)
The team entered this match with a fresh outlook after missing out on the World Beach Games and a determination to make the most of the opportunity to improve as a team. This was a match we cannot afford to lose, but it was regrettable that I couldn’t contribute much to the team’s offence. I want to become a player who can have an impact on the game, regardless of how much playing time I am given. Personally, I have lost to IR Iran three times in a row. Once I return to my team, I want to improve myself so that I can wear this jersey again and achieve our goal of not only defeating Iran but also winning the World Cup. We thank all the fans who supported us from Japan, despite the time difference.

FP #5 MIYAMA Ryunosuke (Tokyo Verdy BS)
It was great that we were able to stick with our game plan and turn the tide in our favour despite playing through a tough away match. However, in order for us to compete at a higher level, we need to improve the quality of our overall plays, so that is something we need to focus on ahead of the World Cup. Personally, I am glad that I was able to score my first international goal. I will try to make the most of this experience to improve myself and continue to work hard so that I can return to this team again.

The 2nd ANOC World Beach Games Bali 2023 Asian Qualifier

Tournament dates: Thu. 25 - Sat. 27 May 2023

Tournament Information