Japan Futsal coach Miguel Rodrigo said he and his players will be aiming to retain their Asian title although his side has been placed in a tough group for the AFC Futsal Championship in Vietnam slated for April 30 to May 10.
　In the draw announced on Saturday, Japan, who won the previous tournament in 2012, will play Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan and Korea Republic in Group D.
　“The Asian standard is rising every year and we all know there are no easy opponents,” said Rodrigo. “We are aiming to win the group but have been placed in a tough group.”
　Japan will open their campaign against Korea Republic on May 1 and move on to meet Uzbekistan on May 3 before playing Kyrgyz Republic on May 5.
　In the 16-team tournament, the top two teams from each group will advance to the May 7 quarterfinals. The semifinals will be played on May 8, and the final and the third-place playoff will take place on May 10. All matches will be held in Ho Chi Min City.
　Rodrigo said, “In the previous Asian competition, we had a hard time before beating Kyrgyz Republic 1-0. They have a very good coach and the best goalkeeper in Asia. And we edged Uzbekistan 5-4 at the last minute in last year’s Asian Indoor Games.
　“Korea Republic will be developing their tactical skills under a new Spanish coach, who they hired a few months ago, but still, we are the defending champions, and would like to show our capability to play good games and bring the trophy back home again.
　“It is a hard challenge, but it is not impossible.”

Groups:
Group A－Vietnam, Kuwait, Tajikistan, Iraq
Group B－Iran, Australia, China, Indonesia
Group C－Thailand, Lebanon, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia
Group D－Japan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Korea Republic